The Mexican Episcopal Conference (CEM) launched the “Prayer Campaign for Peace” to call on millions of Mexicans to join, this Saturday, April 11, the worldwide vigil proposed by Pope Leo XIV. The initiative, disseminated under the motto “Let us make heard the cry of peace that springs from the heart!”, seeks to transform the pain caused by violence into a collective act of hope and reconciliation.
The call directly quotes the Pontiff’s words: “The peace that Jesus gives us is not that which is limited to silencing weapons, but that which touches and transforms the heart of each one of us. Let us convert to that peace of Christ!”. For the CEM, this peace is not a mere ceasefire, but “a gift and a mission” that is built day by day in the family and community, turning conflicts into opportunities for forgiveness instead of excuses for violence.
The document highlights that Mexico and the world face “various scenarios of violence” that demand an urgent response. Therefore, the Mexican Church joins the papal vigil and proposes concrete and visible actions. All people of good will are invited—regardless of creed—to place candles, banners, or any sign with the word PEACE in squares, streets, schools, workplaces, and public spaces, especially during the afternoon and night of Saturday.
The country’s Catholic temples will receive a precise instruction: to replicate the ringing of bells and pray the rosary at 12:00 noon, the time when Pope Leo XIV will lead the prayer in St. Peter’s Square. “As a sign of unity with the Pope”, states the call.
The campaign goes beyond Catholic prayer. Christians are asked to hold ecumenical gatherings, while those who believe in the Creator God are invited to interreligious dialogues to carry out “symbolic gestures for peace”. “The speed of violence challenges us to break down barriers, move stones, and open doors to make present the truth, justice, and peace”, states the text. “We are all called to pray and work from every corner of the country”.
The initiative is also linked to the National Dialogue for Peace convened by various civil, academic, and religious organizations for the same April 11. Although prayer is the central axis, the CEM emphasizes that peace also requires concrete commitment: “We are peace and we will be more”.
As a spiritual closing, the call includes a “Prayer to Build Peace” addressed to the “Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace”. In it, sensitivity to one’s own, family, and community needs is requested, and shared responsibility is emphasized: “We all need each other to preserve the peace of our territory and have a safe community”.
The campaign represents an effort to unite Mexican society beyond political or religious differences at a time when violence continues to claim lives and generate fear in many regions with a clear message to those “who have weapons in their hands” and to those “who have the power to unleash wars”, peace is not imposed by force, but is built through dialogue and encounter with the other.
This Saturday, Mexico will have the opportunity to demonstrate that, even in the midst of darkness, the cry of peace that springs from the heart can be stronger than the noise of violence, pray together, act together, and build together the peace that the country so needs.