The Holy See has strongly denounced the systematic violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) amid ongoing conflicts worldwide, including in the Middle East and Ukraine. Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, Vatican Permanent Observer to the United Nations, emphasized that indiscriminately striking civilians is morally “unacceptable”. Addressing the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Geneva, Balestrero stressed that civilians continue to be victimized in armed conflicts despite international law’s strict obligations to distinguish between military objectives and civilian objects.
Balestrero reiterated the Holy See’s deep concern about explosive weapons in densely populated areas, causing displacement and devastation to vital infrastructure. He reaffirmed that observing IHL is “not only possible but, moreover, compulsory,” echoing Pope Francis’ words that every person is sacred, even in war. The Archbishop urged for an educational process to disseminate IHL and its ethical foundation, pledging Catholic Church support to “reawaken the public conscience” on these issues.
The Holy See advocates for the responsible use of digital and cyber technologies, reserving them for peaceful purposes. Balestrero outlined three commitments for the next four years: training Catholic military chaplains in IHL, promoting its ethical foundations, and cultivating interreligious dialogue to foster mutual respect. He concluded by renewing Pope Francis’ appeal for compassion, justice, and dialogue to build peace, emphasizing that “war is always a defeat of humanity.”
The 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent brings together representatives from 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and 196 States parties to the Geneva Convention. The conference focuses on compliance with international humanitarian law, enhancing civilian protection, sustainable humanitarian action, climate challenges, disaster law, and digital technologies in warfare.