Caritas Manila, the social action arm of the Archdiocese of Manila, has expressed solidarity with Ukraine as it called on the faithful to pray for the restoration of peace in the country.
Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual, executive director of Caritas Manila and president of Radio Veritas stressed that no one benefits in a war as it only brings about destruction and hardships to the affected individuals.
The Church leader made the statement after Caritas Internationalis released a video where Caritas Ukraine detailed the difficult situation faced by the people in their country.
Fr. Pascual supports the holding of a peaceful dialogue to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine instead of resorting to war and violence.
"Caritas Manila is one with Caritas Ukraine for the swift resolution of the on-going conflict in Ukraine. No one emerges victorious in a war. We support the holding of a dialogue to resolve the conflict,” Fr. Pascual said over Radio Veritas.
"I am also appealing to the faithful to pray for the people of Ukraine and for all those who continue to conduct humanitarian work despite the conflict. Let us pray for the restoration of peace in Ukraine knowing that nothing is impossible with God,” he added.
The Holy Father Pope Francis earlier called on the faithful to observe Ash Wednesday as a Day of Prayer for the restoration of peace in Ukraine.