As Global Violence Continues, Archbishop Hicks Urges Prayer and Peace
By: Mary Shovlain
Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks is urging Catholics to turn to prayer and to recognize the dignity of every human person as violence continues to unfold around the world.
During this week’s episode of All Good Things with Archbishop Hicks on SiriusXM’s The Catholic Channel (129), which also airs on Catholic Faith Network, Archbishop Hicks addressed some of the most pressing issues facing the Church and the world today.
A central focus of the discussion was global violence, including the war in Iran and other conflicts that often fade from public attention. Archbishop Hicks stressed the importance of remaining attentive to these realities, even when they fall outside the daily news cycle.
Reflecting on recent remarks by Pope Leo XIV, he emphasized the Holy Father’s call for “dialogue, diplomacy, and de-escalation” in response to rising tensions. He also echoed the Pope’s reminder that suffering in one part of the world affects all of humanity, urging Catholics not to become indifferent to the pain of others.
Archbishop Hicks also highlighted the ongoing persecution of Christians worldwide, noting that many continue to suffer for their faith. Referencing the presence of representatives connected to persecuted Christian communities at a recent Mass, he underscored the importance of awareness and solidarity.
At the same time, he pointed to the need for spiritual renewal within the Church, particularly a deeper understanding of the Eucharist. He spoke of a growing hunger among the faithful for a more authentic encounter with Christ, emphasizing that the Eucharist is not symbolic, but truly the Body and Blood of Christ.
The conversation also touched on the Church’s presence in New York and the enduring witness of immigrant communities who helped shape the Catholic Church in the United States.
Through his reflections, Archbishop Hicks offered a clear message: in a world marked by conflict and division, Catholics are called to respond with prayer, a commitment to peace, and a renewed focus on the dignity of every human person.