The Holy See has told the United Nations Security Council there is an urgent need to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilians, noting increased attacks on religious sites and healthcare workers across the world. Source: Vatican News.
Addressing the Security Council’s Open Debate on the “Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict” held in New York last week, the Delegation of the Holy See outlined the tragic reality faced by millions worldwide as civilians bear the heaviest burden in modern conflicts, suffering displacement, violence, hunger, and the collapse of critical services.
Protecting civilians, the delegation stressed, is not merely a political or operational challenge but a profound moral obligation.
“In the words of Pope Leo XIV, ‘the principle of humanity, inscribed in the conscience of every person and recognised in international law, entails a moral obligation to protect the civilian population from the horrific effects of war,’” the delegation reminded the Council.
Highlighting the profound ethical responsibility that transcends legal frameworks, three key areas of concern were raised: Protection of places of worship and religious communities; safeguarding medical personnel and facilities; and ethical concerns and emerging technologies in warfare
The Holy See delegation concluded with an appeal for respect for international humanitarian law and a renewed emphasis on prevention, dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
“Authentic peace is built, not through fear or destruction, but through encounter, trust and responsibility,” the delegation affirmed.
Quoting Pope Leo XIV, it reminded the Council that “peace begins with each one of us: in the way we look at others, listen to others and speak about others”.
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Holy See calls for moral commitment to protect civilians in conflict (By Linda Bordoni, Vatican News)
