CBCP issues prayer for government leaders

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May 23, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Seeing the country at a crossroads, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday released a prayer for the nation’s leaders to work for the common good rather than personal ambition.

Monsignor Bernardo Pantin, CBCP secretary general, released the “Nation’s prayer for enlightenment, conversion and renewal,” which would be recited beginning May 24, the Pentecost Sunday.

The prayer declares: “Our nation stands at a difficult crossroads. We see truth being cast aside, justice delayed and division weakening the fiber of our society.”

“We pray for those entrusted with leadership. Call them back to the sacred duty of their office. May they serve with honesty, justice and compassion. Grant them wisdom to act with discernment, strength to persevere with integrity and humility to seek not revenge, but righteousness; not personal ambition, but the common good,” it added.

The prayer seeks forgiveness for those who have closed their eyes to what is right, accepted excuses instead of accountability, and allowed despair and division to weaken the hope of the people. 

The CBCP said people should be taught to pursue justice with mercy and become instruments of peace and reconciliation. 

The prayer, which was approved during the CBCP Permanent Council meeting on May 20, is available in Tagalog, Cebuano, Bicolano, Waray, Ilocano and Ilonggo.