Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila. (Photo by Maria Tan)
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has called on Filipino Catholics to join a "penitential walk" on Good Friday, April 14, to show their "commitment to the value of life."
The event is being seen by observers as a protest against moves by the government to re-introduce the death penalty in the Philippines.
In a circular, the Manila prelate urged priests, religious and the laity of Manila to "join Jesus who walked with us humbly, justly and lovingly."
"Every step we take is a commitment to the value of life that Jesus offers to all, especially the poor and neglected," read Cardinal Tagle's letter.
The walk is scheduled to start at 4:30 a.m. at the Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in the capital's Baclaran district.
The Council of the Laity of the Philippines also urged its members to participate in the Good Friday event.