Pope Francis in Angelus: War and terrorism are the great defeat of humanity!

Pope Francis in Angelus: War and terrorism are the great defeat of humanity!

Published on Aug 12, 2019

During the Angelus, the pope recalled the 70th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions. They were signed shortly after the tragic Second World War. Its objective was to ensure, during times of war, violence be not inflicted upon the most defenseless: the civilian population.

POPE FRANCIS
All must comply with the limits imposed by international humanitarian law. These are to protect defenseless populations and civilian structures, especially hospitals, schools, places of worship, refugee camps. Let us not forget that war and terrorism are always a serious loss for humanity as a whole. They are the great defeat of humanity.

Beforehand, the pope reflected on the Gospel of the day. He stressed how life is short and one cannot reach Heaven by living a selfish life.

POPE FRANCIS
It’s a fantasy to believe that one can do everything for oneself. No. It’s a fantasy. True faith opens the heart to one’s neighbor and leads to concrete communion with one’s brothers and sisters, especially with those who live in need. The Lord reminds us that life is a path to eternity. Therefore, we are called to make all the talents we have bear fruit, without forgetting that here we do not have a stable city, but we are going towards the city of the future.

Pope Francis recommended to those present in St. Peter’s Square that they should always carry the Bible with them in order to read and reflect on the message of Christ.

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Pope Francis Notes 70th Anniversary of Geneva Convention

‘May this anniversary make states increasingly aware of the indispensable need to protect the life and dignity of victims of armed conflicts.’

Read the source:  https://zenit.org/articles/pope-francis-notes-70th-anniversary-of-geneva-convention/

Pope Francis on August 11, 2019, marked the upcoming 70th anniversary of the Geneva Convention with a strong appeal for the care of both civilians and prisoners during time of war.

The Holy Father’s comments came after praying the noonday Angelus with the large crowds of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

“Tomorrow marks the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Convention, important international legal instruments that impose limits on the use of force and are aimed at protecting civilians and prisoners in time of war,” the Pope said. “May this anniversary make states increasingly aware of the indispensable need to protect the life and dignity of victims of armed conflicts.

“All are required to observe the limits imposed by international humanitarian law, protecting unarmed populations and civil structures, especially hospitals, schools, places of worship, refugee camps. And let’s not forget that war and terrorism are always a serious loss for all humanity.

“They are the great human defeat!”