The Holy See has renewed its call for concrete and effective international measures to prevent war crimes, warning that persistent violence against civilians continues to erode human dignity and moral responsibility worldwide. Addressing a United Nations preparatory meeting focused on crimes against humanity, Gabriele Caccia highlighted that violations of the sanctity of human life remain widespread and, in many regions, appear to be increasing. He noted that children, women, and members of ethnic and religious minorities continue to bear the heaviest burden of these failures, suffering persecution, displacement, and death. The Holy See emphasized that the ongoing lack of effective collective responses carries serious consequences, not only for victims but also for the credibility of the international community. While legal frameworks prohibiting war crimes already exist, their inconsistent application and weak enforcement undermine justice and contribute to cycles of violence that destabilize societies and deepen humanitarian crises.
Speaking within the context of preparations for a future international conference, Archbishop Caccia underlined that recognition of crimes alone is insufficient without genuine commitment to prevention and accountability. He stressed that international law already provides a clear foundation for condemning war crimes, but greater effort is needed to translate legal principles into practical safeguards. According to the Holy See, any future framework must remain firmly rooted in international law and include robust protections for victims and witnesses. The emphasis, he said, should be on developing mechanisms that deter crimes before they occur while ensuring responsibility when they do. International cooperation was identified as essential, particularly in supporting states that lack the institutional capacity to investigate and prosecute such crimes effectively. However, cooperation must reinforce rather than weaken principles such as due process, complementarity, and respect for fundamental human rights.
The Holy See also underscored the importance of dialogue as a moral and practical tool in addressing crimes against humanity. Citing reflections by Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Caccia noted that meaningful dialogue requires clarity and shared understanding, especially in an era when fundamental concepts are often contested or misused. Rediscovering the meaning of justice, accountability, and human dignity is therefore central to building effective responses to political violence. Throughout his remarks, Archbishop Caccia insisted that victims must remain at the heart of all international efforts, ensuring their voices are heard and their dignity upheld. The Holy See reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with the United Nations, expressing hope that constructive dialogue will lead to lasting measures capable of preventing future atrocities and strengthening the moral conscience of the global community.
