Archbishop Socrates Villegas, CBCP President

MANILA, Nov. 16, 2015— The head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said that nothing can justify terrorism and “it has no place in a civilized society.”

Archbishop Socrates Villegas, CBCP President, expressed regret on Sunday over the recent terror attacks in France and Lebanon that killed more than 170 people.

“Causing the death of anyone is a sin against God and a crime against humanity,” Villegas said.

In Beirut, at least 43 people were killed when suicide bombers detonated themselves last Thursday.

The following day, a string of coordinated attacks by Islamic State militants claimed 129 lives across Paris.

The CBCP head called on the faithful to pray not only for Paris, the victims and their grieving loved ones, but also for the perpetrators that they may gain sense of humanity. (READ: Cardinal Tagle leads silent prayers for victims of Paris attacks)

“Pray for the terrorists that a new sense of humanity will possess their souls again,” Villegas said.

“Our brothers’ blood is crying from the bloodied soil not for vengeance but for end to senseless violence. Stop terror! Do not be afraid! Do not be afraid of peace,” he said. (Roy Lagarde/CBCPNews)