Statement from the organizers of Pagtatanim, an interfaith solidarity conference for the Filipino people’s struggle for peace
April 25, 2025
In the midst of the worsening situation of poverty, violence and oppression facing the people of the Philippines, the organizing committee of Pagtatanim pause in solidarity with the global Roman Catholic community, with people of all faiths, and with all who seek justice and peace, to mourn the passing—and to celebrate the life—of Pope Francis.
In the worsening situation of poverty, violence and oppression facing the Philippines, Pope Francis walked alongside the poor and the marginalized in the Philippines, as he inspired hope, sowed solidarity and motivated people of faith to act ecumenically and interreligious to organise for active solidarity to seek peace and address the root causes of poverty and suffering. He was not afraid to denounce authoritarianism and fascism; to name the evils of militarism, capitalism, imperialism and colonialism and name these as the roots of poverty and violence experienced by so many of the suffering poor and oppressed people.
In his visit to the Philippines in 2015 in the wake of the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan, Pope Francis showed love and compassion as he engaged with children and the suffering poor. He further strongly insisted that all were called to structure changing solidarity in action—to organise and participate in people’s movements for peace. He reminded us that:
“Solidarity is more than a few sporadic acts of generosity. It is a call to act against the structural causes of poverty. Yes, there is an invisible thread joining every injustice – and we are all either complicit or courageous.”
Pope Francis also emphasized respect for farmers and the sustainable cultivation of land as key to eradicating poverty, hunger and ensuring human dignity for all. He also reminded us that:
“Humanity cannot exist without farmers” and to “rediscover the love of earth as ‘mother.’”
As we mourn his loss we are “en-couraged” by his vision which inspires us as people of faith to redouble our efforts to build a peoples’ lead movement for just and lasting peace, which addresses the root causes of poverty and oppression, and denounces authoritarian and fascist leadership in service to foreign interests so that the Filipino people may live unafraid and in peace with justice.
His lifelong witness serves as a guiding light for all people of faith, who seek to end oppression, illegal detention, red tagging, military exercises, displacement, poverty, and all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. His God rooted vision of justice, peace and inclusion urges us to rise up as a global interfaith community following his leadership as we too, hold accountable world leaders seeking to impose cruel and greed filled authoritarian control over an already troubled world order.
We are in mourning. Yet in this “year of hope” more than anything we feel lifted up full of hope as we move forward by the vision, compassion and prophetic love of Pope Francis that calls us as people of faith to both mourn and organise for Peace and Justice for the people of the Philippines.
For those inspired by the life & message of Pope Francis, we invite you to join us at the Pagtatanim Conference in Rome, Italy, June 27-28.
Pope Francis – Presente
