Pope
Francis: Christians must work for "abolition of war"
(Vatican
Radio) Pope Francis on Monday urged the “abolition of war” while meeting
participants in a training course for military chaplains jointly organized by
the Congregation for Bishops, the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and
the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.
The
course explored some of the current challenges of international humanitarian
law regarding the protection of human dignity during internal armed conflicts
and the so-called “new conflicts.”
Pope
Francis told the participants the issue is “unfortunately, very topical” due to
the increased violence and armed conflicts in different parts of the world,
such as Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
“In
this age, in which we are experiencing a ‘piecemeal third world war ‘, you are
called upon to supply the military and their families with the spiritual and
ethical dimensions which help them to face the difficulties and often harrowing
questions inherent in this peculiar service to their country and to humanity,”
he said.
“Many
soldiers return from war operations or peacemaking missions with real inner
wounds,” Pope Francis said. “War can leave an indelible mark in them. War, in
fact, always leaves an indelible mark.”
Pope
Francis said it is appropriate to wonder how to treat the spiritual wounds of
soldiers who have witnessed atrocities during war.
“These
people and their families require specific pastoral attention, which allows
them to feel the maternal presence of the Church,” Pope Francis said. “The role
of the chaplain is to accompany them and support them in their journey, as a
fraternal and comforting presence.”
Pope
Francis also spoke of the role humanitarian law plays in safeguarding the
essential principles of humanity in a context which is “itself dehumanizing.”
The
Holy Father pointed out humanitarian law aims to protect non-combatants; tries
to ban weapons which cause horrible and unnecessary suffering,; and attempts to
protect the natural environment and cultural heritage. He said because of this
important mission, humanitarian law deserves to be “promoted and spread” among
all militaries and armed forces, “including non-state actors.”
“In
addition, it needs to be further developed, to deal with the new reality of the
war, which today, unfortunately, uses increasingly deadly tools,” said Pope
Francis.
“However,
as Christians, we are deeply convinced that the ultimate goal, the most worthy
of the person and the human community, is the abolition of war,” he said.
“Therefore,
we must always strive to build bridges that bring us together, and not walls
that keep us apart; we always have to help search for an opening to mediation
and reconciliation; we must never give in to the temptation of considering the
other only as an enemy to be destroyed, but rather as a person, endowed with
inherent dignity, created by God in His image,” Pope Francis said.
“Even
in the midst of the lacerations of war” – the Holy Father said – “we must never
get tired of remembering that each person is extraordinarily sacred.”
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