The Pope called for an end to attacks on civilians in world conflicts, including in Gaza and Ukraine, stressing that such acts are war crimes, and also calling for an end to the persecution of Christians
“Modern wars no longer take place only on demarcated battlefields, nor do they concern only soldiers,” said Francis during the New Year’s audience with members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Vatican.
“In a situation where the distinction between military and civilian objectives no longer seems to be observed, there is no conflict that does not end up in some way indiscriminately affecting the civilian population”, assessed Francisco.
The Pope said that the “events in Ukraine and Gaza are clear proof of this”. “We must not forget that serious violations of international humanitarian law are war crimes and that it is not enough to identify them, they must also be prevented,” he said.
“What is needed, therefore, is a greater commitment from the international community to safeguard and implement humanitarian law, which appears to be the only way to protect human dignity in situations of war.
Even when it comes to exercising the right of self-defense, it is essential to adhere to the proportional use of force”, reinforced the Pope.
The Pope also repeated his call for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages taken by Hamas in the October 7 attacks on Israel.
“I reiterate my call to all parties involved for a ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, and for the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza,” he said.
“I ask that the Palestinian population receive humanitarian aid and that hospitals, schools and places of worship have all the necessary protection,” he added.
“I hope that the international community resolutely seeks a two-state solution, one Israeli and one Palestinian, as well as an internationally guaranteed special status for the city of Jerusalem, so that Israelis and Palestinians can finally live in peace and security,” he declared. Francis called for an end to anti-Semitism and the persecution of Christians.
“The increase in acts of anti-Semitism in recent months is particularly worrying,” said the Pope. “I reaffirm once once more that this scourge must be eradicated from society, above all through education towards fraternity and welcoming others”, he stressed.
The Pope also expressed concern regarding the “growth of persecution and discrimination once morest Christians, especially in the last ten years.”
Francisco assessed that this situation “not infrequently concerns the phenomena of marginalization and gradual exclusion from political and social life and the exercise of certain religions that occur even in traditionally Christian lands”.
“Overall, more than 360 million Christians around the world suffer a high level of persecution and discrimination because of their faith, and an increasing number are forced to flee their homelands,” he added.
Francis insisted that “the path to peace also passes through interreligious dialogue, which requires above all the protection of religious freedom and respect for minorities”.
