Honour, peace and the Church’s role in regional tensions

Newly appointed Monsignor and Vicar General Martin Sirju described his elevation as an honour rooted not in privilege, but in service, and offered a thoughtful and timely reflection on peace, justice, and the Church’s responsibility amid growing regional and global tensions.

Speaking on the January 9 episode of Altos, Msgr Sirju explained that the title ‘monsignor’ carries no material benefit. “No pay increase…that’s for sure. No car unless the car gets old,” he said with gentle humour.

Rather, he stressed that it is an honorific title, approved by the Pope and conveyed through the bishop or archbishop as a recognition of service, not a change in sacramental authority.

“There are only three orders in the Church—deacons, priests and bishops. This doesn’t have to do with the sacraments. It’s just a recognition.”

The response to his appointment, particularly from his hometown of Cedros, was overwhelming. Messages of congratulations came not only from close friends, but from acquaintances and unexpected well-wishers. “I was very surprised that it was so well received,” he said, adding that he made a point of responding personally to each message.

Venezuela, T&T and the search for peace

The conversation soon turned to developments in neighbouring Venezuela and their implications for Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. As someone who grew up in Cedros, geographically and culturally close to Venezuela, Msgr Sirju spoke with both personal insight and pastoral concern, insisting that what happens there cannot be dismissed as distant politics.

To frame his response, he turned to Catholic social teaching, referencing Pope John XXIII’s 1963 encyclical Pacem in Terris, which places responsibility for peace not only on political leaders or bishops, but on all people of goodwill. Peace, he explained, is a shared moral obligation.

He noted that this emphasis was echoed when Pope Leo XIV first appeared publicly after his election, and reflected Pope Francis’ repeated warning that the world is drifting towards conflict “piecemeal”.

“From the Church’s point of view, we don’t support the forceful supplanting of one leader from one country,” Msgr Sirju said. Instead, the Church advocates democratic processes, dialogue, collaboration and patience—while recognising how difficult such patience can be for those living under authoritarian regimes.

He also recalled that the Second Vatican Council issued only one clear condemnation: war itself—a position that continues to shape the Church’s call for de-escalation and restraint.

CARICOM, the United States and regional responsibility

Reflecting on the Caribbean context, Msgr Sirju addressed the tension between the region’s aspiration to be a zone of peace and the reality of internal instability. “Many people respond by saying that we are not at peace ourselves,” he observed, pointing to crime, insecurity and social breakdown. He acknowledged that concerns such as narco-trafficking are often cited by the United States as justification for regional intervention, but cautioned against militarised responses that risk worsening instability.

At the same time, he stressed balance and realism. “Venezuela is literally our closest neighbour,” he said. “We cannot afford to be enemies with our neighbours. When your neighbour’s house is on fire, where is yours?”

He also noted the deep ties Caribbean people share with the United States through migration, work and family life.

Addressing recent strains within CARICOM, Msgr Sirju described the regional body as a “priceless body”, warning that division weakens the Caribbean’s collective voice and leaves individual States more exposed on the global stage.

On whether the Church should act as a political mediator, he was clear that its primary mission is to proclaim the Gospel and the values of the Kingdom, even while those values carry social and political implications.

Citing Pope Paul VI, he noted that while the Church must speak for justice, it is not called to replace political institutions.

Msgr Sirju concluded by underscoring the importance of prayer, particularly for small nations without military power. “We don’t have military might. We can’t fight anybody,” he said. “Our recourse is peacemaking—and prayer.” Quoting Scripture, he added: “This is our victory over the world—our faith.”

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