Pope raises alarm over human rights and spreading zeal over war

Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo, has warned that human rights and freedoms are under strain as diplomacy gives way to the logic of power and war

He said this on Friday while meeting members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See held at the Vatican City, as he warned that “war is back in vogue” and peace is increasingly sought through force rather than justice.

The Pope also cautioned that the foundations of international coexistence are being steadily undermined, as diplomacy based on dialogue gives way to the logic of power and deterrence.

“The principle established after the Second World War, which prohibited nations from using force to violate the borders of others, has been completely undermined,” he said, warning that such a mindset threatens the rule of law itself.

The Pope said the occasion was “a new experience”, having been called only months ago to “shepherd Christ’s flock,” as he added that his address also served to articulate the moral horizon within which the Holy See understands diplomacy: a patient work of encounter, a defence of the vulnerable, and a commitment to peace rooted in truth.

READ ALSO: Foundation hails Wike over fresh push to tackle waste crisis

The Pope lamented the weakening of the principle established after the Second World War, by which nations pledged not to use force to violate the borders of others.

“The principle has been completely undermined,” he said, warning that peace is increasingly sought “through weapons as a condition for asserting one’s own dominion”, a mentality that “gravely threatens the rule of law, which is the foundation of all peaceful civil coexistence.”

From the principles of law, Pope Leo moved to the concrete cost of war, especially when civilians become targets, and when essential infrastructure are destroyed.

“I would like to draw particular attention to the importance of international humanitarian law. Compliance cannot depend on mere circumstances and military or strategic interests,” he added.

Rather, he said, humanitarian law “is a commitment that states have made,” and “must always prevail over the ambitions of belligerents.”

He underscored that attacks on “hospitals, energy infrastructure, homes and places essential to daily life” constitute serious violations and reiterated the Vatican’s condemnation of “any form of involvement of civilians in military operations.”

He spoke of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the suffering of civilians, reiterating “the pressing need for an immediate ceasefire,” and calling for dialogue “motivated by a sincere search for ways leading to peace.”

He appealed to the international community not to waver and reiterated the Holy See’s willingness to support any initiative that promotes peace and harmony.