The archbishop of Tokyo urged Catholics to uphold peace rooted in the Gospel and defend human dignity, warning against conflating faith with political narratives as global tensions continue to escalate.
In his message for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Cardinal Isao Kikuchi pointed to growing instability in international affairs and the limits of information shaping public understanding.
“The international community has been in great turmoil lately,” he said, noting that many rely on reports and online information that “does not necessarily tell the whole truth,” leaving judgments influenced by surrounding narratives and political messaging.
He stressed that the actions of political leaders and the response of believers must remain distinct.
“The political maneuvering of leaders in the world of international politics and the actions and words that we believers choose based on our faith are fundamentally different in nature,” Kikuchi said, warning that confusion between the two deepens division.
Kikuchi cited recent remarks by Pope Leo XIV calling for peace grounded in faith, acknowledging that such appeals may appear unrealistic to political leaders.
Quoting the pope, he said: “We are not politicians. We do not view foreign policy from the same perspective as them. However, as peacebuilders, we believe in the message of the Gospel.”
He said believers share this responsibility.
“Therefore, we must not forget that it is the responsibility of believers to speak out about the need to protect human dignity, safeguard life, and build peace based on the message of the Gospel,” Kikuchi said.
Reflecting on the Gospel, he pointed to Jesus’ declaration, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” describing Christ not as a guide along an existing path but as the path itself.
“The Lord Jesus urges us to trust in Himself and to walk this new path with courage. He calls us to embark on a journey into the unknown,” he said.
Kikuchi emphasized that this journey must be lived in communion with Christ and the faith community.
“We continue walking this new path of Jesus with Jesus and with our community of brothers and sisters,” he said.
He concluded by calling on the faithful to uphold the dignity of every person.
“We want to speak and act toward a world where the dignity of all human beings is never disregarded,” Kikuchi said.
