Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula called on Filipinos to pray for the nation's leaders and work together to promote unity, reconciliation, and the common good in light of recent calamities and escalating political tensions.

“Of late, events in our country have been disconcerting. Many of our people are still reeling from the effects of the onslaught of recent typhoons. The brewing political storm that our political leaders are facing has drained their energy to serve those in most need and the neglected,” Advincula said in a statement on Wednesday, Nov. 27.

The Manila archbishop urged humility and statesmanship from political leaders, asking them to put aside personal and political interests to serve the needs of the country during these challenging times.

“I humbly exhort you all to pray for them that they may receive the grace to exercise statesmanship in most trying times so that sobriety may prevail in our land and that political issues and personal interests may not divide the nation,” Advincula said.

“It is our prayer that they may have the humility to listen to each other with respect and act together for the sake of the country,” he added.

Advincula also appealed to the leaders from various sectors of society to “do what they can to prevent the escalation of political and personal conflicts.”

He stressed the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness, reaffirming that despite the challenges the nation faces, God's grace and love will provide the strength needed to overcome them.