Pope Francis Urges International Community to Uphold Humanitarian Law in Conflict Zones

Vatican City, January 5, 2025: Pope Francis on Sunday called on the international community to act with urgency to ensure the protection of civilians and the adherence to humanitarian law in conflict zones worldwide. Speaking after the Angelus on the first Sunday of 2025, the Holy Father appealed for an end to attacks on civilians, schools, hospitals, and workplaces. He urged global leaders to take decisive action to enforce humanitarian law and bring an end to the suffering caused by ongoing conflicts, especially those in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Myanmar, and Sudan.

Pope Francis also emphasized the importance of continuing prayers for peace in war-torn regions and highlighted the grave consequences of such violence, particularly the destruction of civilian infrastructure. This follows his previous call on October 27, 2024, where he had reminded the faithful of the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions and the importance of respecting the life and dignity of individuals during times of war.

In his address, the Pope sharply condemned the ongoing destruction of hospitals and schools in conflict areas, lamenting the disregard for international humanitarian law. He concluded his remarks with a poignant reminder: “War is always a defeat, always!” This statement reinforced his long-standing message that war yields no victors and only perpetuates suffering.

Courtesy: Vatican News