ASIA/PAKISTAN - Ceasefire between India and Pakistan: "Fruit of the children's prayers"

Lahore (Agenzia Fides) - "We know that the Lord hears the prayers of the children who are in his heart. And the ceasefire between India and Pakistan has a very special meaning for us because we consider it a truce," says to Fides Fr. Qaisar Feroz, Capuchin friar and parish priest at the parish of Our Lady Queen of Angels, Bhai Pheru, on the outskirts of Lahore, in Pakistani Punjab. "On Saturday, May 10, a group of children and families gathered in front of the grotto and shrine of Our Lady Queen of Peace in our parish of Bhai Pheru," he reports. "I, Brother Father Robinson OFM Cap, and the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary celebrated a Rosary of Peace with the parish community. Children and young people were present, while the girls from the 'Ibne Mariam' boarding school recited songs of peace and devotional prayers. At the end of the prayer, we released some doves as a symbol of peace and the children's fervent desire, holding signs reading 'Yes to Peace, No to War.' At the end of the rosary, we received the wonderful news of the announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Now we hope that it will hold and that we can create a just and lasting peace between the peoples."
The people in the parish were very concerned, among other things, because, as Father Feroz explains, in the days before the military clashes in the disputed region of Kashmir, a bullet struck the industrial area on the territory of the parish of Our Lady, Queen of Angels in Bhai Pheru. "It was a bit like we felt the war coming home. There was great concern, and that is why we intensified our prayers for peace," Father Feroz reported. Meanwhile, the entire Church in Pakistan welcomes the ceasefire. In an official statement, the President of the Pakistani Bishops' Conference and Bishop of Hyderabad, Samson Shukardin (OFM), emphasized: "This significant step toward peace is a source of great relief and hope for millions of people throughout the region following the recent tensions and military clashes. The Pakistani bishops express their appreciation to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for choosing the path of dialogue and moderation, and are deeply grateful to international mediators, especially the United States and other global partners, for their role in facilitating this peaceful breakthrough." "The peoples of South Asia have long yearned for peace, stability, and cooperation," said the Pakistani bishops. "We pray that this ceasefire marks not only the end of hostilities, but also the beginning of a new chapter of mutual understanding, reconciliation, and regional harmony," assuring them that they pray "for lasting peace and for the common good of all." Chairman of the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) and Archbishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Joseph Arshad, added: "This ceasefire is also a reminder that diplomacy has the power to overcome conflict. It is vital that both nations continue dialogue to address long-standing issues and find lasting solutions that prioritize the well-being and security of their peoples. A peaceful future for the South Asian region begins with cooperation, dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to peace." The Catholic Church on both sides of the border hopes that India and Pakistan can "build stronger, more reliable, and peaceful relations to ensure a better future for all" and that "the spirit of justice, peace, solidarity, and fraternity prevails in this region to build bridges of hope, love, and peace between nations." (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 12/5/2025)

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