As violence escalates along the disputed Thai-Cambodian border, Pope Leo XIV has issued an urgent appeal for peace. Meanwhile, our missionary partners – who are on the ground – work tirelessly to aid those affected by the conflict.
Pope’s urgent appeal
This week Pope Leo shared:
‘I am deeply saddened by the news of the renewed conflict along the border between Thailand and Cambodia. There have been casualties, including among civilians, and thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes. I express my closeness in prayer to these dear peoples.’
The Holy Father made a direct appeal to both nations, encouraging the parties to ‘cease fire immediately and resume dialogue’.
Escalating crisis
The current violence is a dangerous escalation of the ongoing border dispute, with fighting being reported in multiple provinces in both Thailand and Cambodia. Many of these areas still bear the scars of previous conflicts, from which thousands of people continue to recover – generations later.
Both nations have accused each other of firing into civilian regions using artillery, rocket systems and drones. Several civilian deaths have been reported and more than 125,000 people are now sheltering in temporary facilities, including churches.
Our missionary partners respond
On both sides of the border, missionaries are working to provide assistance to displaced families and those caught in the violence. These dedicated men and women continue their vital ministry, despite the dangerous conditions, offering practical aid, spiritual comfort and hope to communities in crisis.
Mill Hill Missionary, Fr Glenn, sent this update from Cambodia:
‘The battlefield is getting closer; it is now 60-70km from our community in Toumpong. Our neighbouring parish is already receiving refugees –families who fled from the border and neighbouring villages and provinces.
‘This morning, after Mass, I officially announced to the community that the church is open in case anybody would like to stay, especially those family members from the affected areas seeking refuge. We are also distributing food packs in Kanah Rumeah, and to those who came from Thailand or the border.
‘Please continue praying for us that the peace that Jesus brings this Christmas may radiate to all, especially the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia.’
The call to hope; the prayer for peace
Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler of Phnom Penh recently echoed Pope Leo’s call for peace in his address for the Feast of Christ the King. He emphasised that hope must be translated into action:
‘For 25 years, as pilgrims of hope, we have commemorated our martyrs, remembering all those who died during the dark years of the Pol Pot regime. Before the Cross of the Martyrs of Cambodia, we are here to reaffirm our faith and our hope.’
He went on to say:
‘Our hope must be translated into action… I call upon our Church to be a peacemaker in deed and in truth. [Let us practice] dialogue, respect for one’s neighbour, mutual listening and understanding, forgiveness and reconciliation and reject every logic of revenge and violence. This appeal is directed to everyone: to families, in schools, at work, in our parishes, in our social lives and on social media. Peace is our hope, but it depends on our attitude: 50 years after the atrocities of the genocide, our society longs for peace. Our Church longs for peace.’
How you can help
Missio has been supporting communities and families in this area for years, and together, we will continue to do so. This Christmas we have shared with you the story of the Peace Centre in Phnom Penh, which is one of many initiatives and projects you help support through your prayers and donations. And now, there are acute needs to meet in addition to our long-term projects. We know that our missionary sisters and brothers will continue to meet the ongoing challenges with faith and hope, and the support of our global Catholic family.
This Christmas, you can bring hope to people suffering through violence, natural disasters and poverty. Please join us to support missionaries by:
- Praying for an immediate end to hostilities and a lasting ceasefire
- Donating whatever you can to support missionaries’ vital work>>
- Sharing this story and our Christmas appeal with your friends and family, your parish community and through social networks
As the Holy Father reminded us, these are our sisters and brothers, who deserve peace, security and the opportunity to live without fear. Let us hold them in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time.