Indifference takes lives, promotes violence - Japanese archbishop

The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan, Archbishop Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo, has voiced deep concern over the global indifference that continues to claim the lives of defenseless innocents around the world.

In a message to conclude the country’s observance of “Ten Days of Prayer for Peace,” Tokyo Archbishop Isao Kikuchi underlined how rapid modernization, such as the advent of artificial intelligence, alienates people from each other.

He echoed Pope Francis’ message for this year’s World Day of Peace, who stressed how technological advancements in weaponry result in “an even more cold and detached approach to the immense tragedy of war.”

“It is our brothers and sisters who are deprived of life,” said Archbishop Kikuchi. “It is God’s gift of life that is exposed to violence. And it is human beings who are creating that violence. And it is our indifference that is encouraging it.”

Reflecting on ongoing conflicts, particularly in Myanmar, he noted, “Chaos after the coup d’état in Myanmar continues, and there is no path to peace in sight after more than three years. The Catholic Church in Myanmar, which advocates for peace, has come under violent attack.”

Therefore, Archbishop Kikuchi called on the global community to uphold the Synodal spirit and offer a helping hand to the most vulnerable.

“Only by listening to each other, supporting one another, and walking together can we reach the destination of our journey – the realization of the world that our Father desires,” he said.

He invited everyone to “not lose hope” amid the difficult reality that drives people to “the abyss of despair.”

“The Pope urges the Church to read the signs of the times and become a community whose comprehensive vision of human development brings hope to those in situations where human dignity is degraded,” he said.

The prelate also recalled Japan’s pledge after World War II: “We shall not repeat the evil.”

This year marks 79 years since an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.

“We should be able to humbly learn from our past mistakes and try not to repeat them. It is only we ourselves who can stop the violence against life that we have witnessed time and time again,” he said.

Addressing additional global issues, Archbishop Kikuchi lamented the effects of climate change, discrimination, and various forms of trafficking on people's daily lives.

“These are just a few realities of a society that disregards human dignity and hinders the realization of God’s order,” he said.

Archbishop Kikuchi concluded with a call to action for the faithful: “Strengthen efforts to end violence against life and realize the order that God desires for this world.”