Vatican leader Pope Leo warned today that "war is back in fashion," expressing concern about the erosion of the rules-based international order, while addressing recent developments in Gaza, Venezuela and Ukraine.
"A zeal for war is spreading," the Pope said in a speech to members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See.
"The principle established after World War II, which prohibited countries from using force to violate the borders of others, has been completely undermined," he announced.
The Pope stressed that dialogue and diplomacy are increasingly being replaced by what he described as "diplomacy based on force."
"Peace is being sought through arms as a condition for asserting one's rule," he said, warning that such an approach "seriously threatens the rule of law, which is the foundation of any peaceful civil coexistence."
The Pope expressed concern about rising tensions in America, calling for peaceful solutions.
"I reiterate my appeal to respect the will of the Venezuelan people and to protect the human and civil rights of all, ensuring a future of stability and harmony," he declared.
Referring to the Middle East, the Pope said a "serious humanitarian crisis" continues in Gaza despite an October ceasefire and reiterated the need to guarantee the Palestinians "a future of lasting peace and justice."
He denounced the growing violence against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank, saying that the Palestinian civilian population "has the right to live in peace in their own land."
Emphasizing international humanitarian law, the Pope said its principles represent a commitment made by states around the world.
"We cannot ignore the fact that the destruction of hospitals, energy infrastructure, homes and places essential to daily life constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law," he said.
"The defense of the principle of the inviolability of human dignity and the sanctity of life always has more importance than any simple national interest," Pope Leo added. /AA/
