At its March 2003 meeting, the International Presidency of the Secular Franciscan Order, representing over 430,000 Secular Franciscans worldwide, reflected on the war in Iraq. During its reflection, the Presidency expressed its opposition to war and to all forms of violence that always bring suffering to the peoples of the world. It also reaffirmed its commitment to being bearers of peace and to seeking out ways of unity and fraternal harmony through dialogue, trusting in the Divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and forgiveness.

The Presidency exhorts Secular Franciscans, together with all people of good will, to build a more fraternal and evangelical world, by praying and working for peace in their families, in their fraternities, in their communities and in the world. As a concrete sign of its solidarity with those who suffer the consequences of war, the Presidency also exhorts Secular Franciscans to express their opposition to violence, through a variety of means, and to commit themselves to building a more peaceful world. With respect to the war in Iraq, Secular Franciscans are urged to become actively engaged with relief organizations that provide humanitarian support to the people of Iraq and in
the rebuilding of their country.