ROME – After a year that saw thousands of civilians killed in wars and violent conflicts, Pope Francis told diplomats accredited to the Holy See that international war crimes must be recognised and prevented.
In his 8 January address, the Pope noted that as the year 2024 opens the world is “increasingly lacerated” by conflict, and that “the distinction between military and civil objectives is no longer respected”.
“There is no conflict that does not end up in some way indiscriminately striking the civilian population,” he said.
Noting that “the events in Ukraine and Gaza are clear proof of this”, he stated that “we must not forget that grave violations of international humanitarian law are war crimes, and that it is not sufficient to point them out, but also necessary to prevent them".
