Bishops of the Antilles expressed concern about U.S. threats in the Caribbean

Published at: 26/10/2025 10:26 AM

The Episcopal Conference of the Bishop of the Antilles expressed, through a statement, its concern about U.S. military threats in the Caribbean Sea and called for respect for sovereignty and peace in the region.

In this regard, the bishops repudiated that “border security” is used as an excuse to despise the sovereignty of independent nations.

Below is the full text:

October 25, 2025

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

From the Episcopal Conference of Bishops of the Antilles (AEC) to the People of God in the Caribbean

The Episcopal Conference of Bishops of the Antilles views with grave concern the recent accumulation of naval and military assets in the Southern Caribbean, and the potential implications this poses for the socio-economic, political and humanitarian well-being of our region and its people.

In a few weeks, the world will commemorate the 59th World Day of Peace. Reflecting on the words of Pope Paul VI, who in 1966, in the institution of this observance, urged humanity to seek negotiation rather than war, we recognize that once again we are at a crossroads. Dialogue and cooperation are urgently needed to alleviate growing geopolitical tensions and promote lasting peace.

At the same time, we must speak clearly about the moral challenges facing our region. Drug trafficking continues to devastate Caribbean societies, eroding lives, futures and the moral fabric of our communities. This is a serious crisis for the Church and for families around the world, and we have a duty to face it. However, arbitrary and unjustified deprivation of life cannot be justified as a means of resolution. Such acts violate the sanctity of human life.

Likewise, disregard for the sovereignty of independent nations cannot be accepted as a reasonable measure in the name of border security. War or the threat of war is never the right solution. To quote Pope Leo in a recent General Audience: “We must never get used to war”. His call echoes that of Pope St. John XXIII, who proclaimed that “true peace can only be born from a heart disarmed by anxiety and fear of war”.

The presence of warships and the disruption of marine livelihoods in our Caribbean waters represent real and immediate threats to regional stability and the well-being of our nations. As peoples united by a shared heritage and collective identity, we must continue to reject aggression and intimidation as a means to resolve conflicts or ideological differences. Our history has demonstrated that dialogue and negotiation have been useful to us as independent nations united in community and cooperation.

We are attentive to the voices and concerns expressed by our people and urge that we be guided by the teachings of the Scriptures. We are commanded to love one another, even our enemies. The world may be at war, but we are called to pray for peace and to act in peace. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, as the Church continues the ancient tradition of forgiveness and restoration, we reaffirm our common goal and our shared brotherhood that transcends borders and national interests.

The Church remains firm in the need to protect everyone in society, especially the most vulnerable and economically marginalized. The objectives of securing our borders and eliminating drug trafficking must be pursued with respect for the law, the dignity of human life and the tacit understanding of our region's deep commitment to peace. To those who have assumed leadership, we call for the de-escalation of militarization and for a renewed commitment to dialogue and regional unity. We ask the faithful to renew their faith and trust in the Lord, resisting the discouragement and cynicism that threaten to overwhelm us. Acts of reconciliation, faithful observance of the sacraments and the rosary in the family continue to be powerful expressions of hope, expressions that move heaven and can transform the hearts of humanity.

We stand in solidarity with all the peoples of the Caribbean, especially those most directly affected by this situation. Together, we place our hope, trust and prayers in the search for a peaceful and just solution that defends human dignity, national sovereignty and the common good of all.

Mazo News Team