Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Religions for Peace
New York (Agenzia Fides) – “Let this moment be a turning point —from prolonged suffering to healing, from fear to hope, from impunity to accountability grounded in justice and law,” reads an appeal from the international organization Religions for Peace (RFP), which, in light of the war in the Middle East, calls for “an immediate cessation of hostilities and return to a negotiated settlement of any dispute.” “Continued retaliation,” the organization states, “will only deepen civilian suffering and further destabilize the region. Durable security cannot be achieved through military escalation; it requires sustained diplomatic engagement grounded in international law.”
On behalf of believers of various faiths worldwide, united by their pursuit of peace, Religions for Peace, from its headquarters in New York, issued a statement regarding the US and Israeli attack on Iran and the escalation of the war into the region. “Silence in the face of such suffering is not an option. As religious leaders and people of faith, we reaffirm the sacred value of every human life and our unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and reconciliation,” the statement reads.
“It is with great sadness and deep concern that we witness renewed conflict in the Middle East. We stand in solidarity with the people across the region who are suffering by the current hostilities – above all, the world must prioritize their well-being and respect for human rights, sovereignty and rule of law,” reads a statement signed by Secretary General Francis Kuria. “Respect for human dignity and the right to life must serve as the primary lens through which all international engagement is viewed,” the non-governmental organization stated. “These are not concessions to be granted, but fundamental pillars that cannot be compromised for strategic or military gain. When we fail to centre the dignity of the individual, we erode the moral authority of the laws meant to protect us all, leaving the most vulnerable to bear the unconscionable costs of war.”
The organization reaffirmed the urgency of upholding international law: “Respect for sovereignty and the rule of law must go hand in hand with credible, impartial processes that address serious peace and security challenges of all and the legitimate needs of all communities in the region.” “Recent actions being taken outside multilateral frameworks. Unilateral interventions such as these are weakening the rules-based international order that protects the sovereignty and security of all nations,” it noted. Furthermore, it is essential to “ensure unhindered access for humanitarian aid.” “All parties to the ongoing conflict must also ensure the humanitarian situation in the Middle East does not degrade. We call on all parties—regardless of political or military status—to guarantee unhindered, safe, and sustained access for humanitarian aid. The protection of civilians is paramount. We reaffirm that the safeguarding of civilian lives and human dignity must remain a central priority of all actors currently operating within the country,” the appeal concludes. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 5/3/2026)
