Pope warns that modern weapons’ potential has changed the boundaries of war

Pope Francis warned Saturday that the enormous potential of modern weapons has made traditional frameworks of war “obsolete” and called for greater justice and a reduction in inequality in the world to resolve conflicts.

“The current situation of a ‘third world war in parts’ seems permanent and unstoppable,” the pope lamented during an audience with members of the International Network of Catholic Legislators, who meet at a forum in Frascati, central Italy.

Francis warned that the current crisis situation “seriously threatens the patient efforts of the international community, especially through multilateral diplomacy, to encourage cooperation in addressing the grave inequalities and social, economic and environmental problems” of humanity.

Thus, the Pope defended, despite the reflections of Catholic legislators, that “it is of the utmost importance to renounce war as a means of resolving conflicts and establishing justice.”

“In fact, the enormous destructive power of modern weapons has made traditional criteria for limiting war obsolete,” he stressed.

“In many cases, the distinction between military and civilian targets is becoming increasingly controversial,” he added.

Francis said it was necessary to “listen to the cries of the poor, widows and orphans” in order to understand “the abyss (…) that lies at the heart of war” and “decide to choose peace by all possible means.”

The Pope recommended “perseverance and patience” to continue on the path to peace through negotiations, mediation or arbitration in resolving current and future conflicts in the world.

To this end, he called for the creation of “renewed trust in the structures of international cooperation” that needs to be constantly renewed.

“Despite their proven effectiveness over the years in contributing to global efforts to ensure peace and respect for international law, these structures constantly need to be reformed and updated to adapt to current circumstances,” he said.

To this end, in order to provide a more solid basis for international humanitarian law, Francis proposed working towards a more equitable distribution of the earth’s goods, “guaranteeing integral development for individuals and peoples.”

The Pope said it was necessary to overcome the “scandalous inequalities and injustices that fuel long-standing conflicts and give rise to acts of violence throughout the world.”