Pope calls on international community to ensure respect for humanitarian law
Following the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Francis calls for prayers for peace in conflict zones around the world, and appeals to the international community to ensure respect for humanitarian law.
Jan 06, 2025
By Christopher Wells
“No more striking civilians! No more striking schools or hospitals! No more striking workplaces!”
Pope Francis on Sunday issued a strong plea for an end to attacks on civilians during the Angelus on the first Sunday of 2025, and urged the international community to act “with firmness to ensure that humanitarian law is respected.”
The Holy Father also appealed for continued prayers for peace throughout the world, calling particular attention to Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Myanmar, and Sudan.
Previous appeals
Already at the Angelus of 27 October 2024, recalling the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, Pope Francis had called for respect for the life and dignity of peoples, and “the integrity of civil structures and places of worship, in observance of international humanitarian law.”
“It’s said,” he said, “to see how in war, in some places, hospitals and schools are being destroyed.”
War is always a defeat
Pope Francis concluded his remarks this Sunday with a reminder that war never brings victory.
“Let us not forget,” he said, “that war is always a defeat, always!”--Vatican News
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