Peace advocates seek Pope’s help to end armed conflicts

PLARIDEL, Bulacan: A peace advocacy group has asked Pope Frances to help persuade to Philippine leaders and rebel groups to settle their differences and talk peace.

In an open letter to the pope, the “Yes for Peace-Bayanihan para sa Kapayapaan, Kaunlaran at Kasaganahan” informed the pontiff that about 11 million Filipinos have responded to the group’s call for the permanent cessation of hostilities between the government and all armed groups and hold peace negotiations in the Philippines instead of abroad.