‘Fight global indifference, normalization of genocide’

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the ongoing wars in the world, Manila’s Jose Cardinal Advincula yesterday told the Catholic faithful that Easter sends the message to push back against global indifference and the normalization of genocide.

Cardinal Advincula, in his Easter message, reiterated the sentiment of the late Pope Francis and connected it with current events, saying that Easter is being celebrated during a time of war – a “ ’piecemeal’ Third World War.”

He also echoed the appeal of Pope Leo XIV to put an end to the ongoing war that has brought nothing but suffering and destruction.

“This international conflict has brought immense suffering to all of us – from inflation and economic hardship to severe mental and emotional anguish, not to mention the tragic loss of countless lives,” Advincula said.

But while the world suffers from the effects of war, he said the Catholic faithful should not lose hope, for the Lord is risen.

“While drones and missiles continue to shake the ground of their targets, there is another earth-shaking event that has occurred today – the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. This historical event, which has opened our earthly life to the eternal, is the Good News that our world so desperately needs,” he said.

He added that during Easter, the Catholic Church celebrates the resurrection of the Savior, Jesus Christ, which signifies the triumph of light over darkness, the victory of God over death and the gift of new life from the tomb.

“The Resurrection of Jesus is the most subversive and revolutionary message of Christianity. It is a call to resistance – to push back against the forces that ruthlessly seek to bury our joy and our future,” Advincula said.

“Easter is a nonviolent battle against hatred and hostility. Easter is a summons to all peoples to reject the ‘globalization of indifference’ and the normalization of genocide,” he added.

At this time, Easter calls on the people to remain awake and vigilant.

He asked his fellow bishops to continue calling for accountability, relentlessly pursue justice in public governance and for more urgent action to alleviate the agony of our people.

“Let us not waste the sacrifice and offering of Jesus on the cross. Let us not fail to recognize the liberating presence of the Risen Christ in our midst. May our celebration of this Easter season be an opportune time for all of us to roll away the stones that have long oppressed us and to welcome the new day of hope that the Lord has created for us,” he added.