Addis Ababa: The Catholic Bishops of Ethiopia have called on all parties involved in armed conflicts across the country to choose dialogue, forgiveness and reconciliation, warning that continued violence is deepening divisions and causing greater suffering, especially among vulnerable people.
In a pastoral letter issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia on Thursday, the bishops said the Ethiopian Catholic Church deeply grieves over the armed conflict affecting Tigray, Afar, Amhara, Oromia and other parts of the country.
The appeal follows Pope Leo XIV's call for dialogue during his Angelus on September 30. The Pope said he was following with deep concern the renewed hostilities in Tigray and neighbouring Afar and Amhara regions and urged all parties to pursue dialogue.
The Ethiopian bishops echoed the Pope's message, stressing that war does not resolve differences but instead increases suffering. They said armed conflict takes human lives, destroys communities and property, and creates hatred, resentment and a desire for revenge that can continue across generations.
The bishops called on Ethiopians to recognise the lives and suffering of others as their own responsibility. They said peace in Ethiopia is a shared responsibility and urged that disputes be resolved through genuine dialogue and that all forms of conflict come to an end.
They also highlighted the impact of violence on people who are least able to protect themselves. Children, women, elderly people, sick people and other innocent civilians often suffer the greatest consequences when violence breaks out.
The bishops said they would continue to speak out to protect human life and expressed their belief that peace based on truth, justice, forgiveness and reconciliation can help heal the nation and promote the welfare of its people.
They said such peace respects the dignity of every human person, supports the common good and reflects the values of the Gospel.
The Catholic Bishops of Ethiopia also called on the faithful and all people of good will to continue praying and fasting for the country. They urged people to seek reconciliation, unity and lasting peace for Ethiopia.