Although the context in which we live today is different from that of the fifth century, some similarities remain highly relevant. We are now, as then, in an era of widespread migratory movements; as then, we are living at a time of a profound readjustment of geopolitical balances and cultural paradigms; as then, we are, in Pope Francis’s well-known expression, not in an era of change but in a change of era. 

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In our time, the weakness of multilateralism is a particular cause for concern at the international level.  A diplomacy that promotes dialogue and seeks consensus among all parties is being replaced by a diplomacy based on force, by either individuals or groups of allies.  War is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading.  The principle established after the Second World War, which prohibited nations from using force to violate the borders of others, has been completely undermined.  Peace is no longer sought as a gift and a desirable good in itself, or in the pursuit of “the establishment of the ordered universe willed by God, with a more perfect form of justice among men and women.”  Instead, peace is sought through weapons as a condition for asserting one’s own dominion.  This gravely threatens the rule of law, which is the foundation of all peaceful civil coexistence.

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Furthermore, as Saint Augustine notes, “there is no one who does not wish to have peace.  For even those who make war desire nothing but victory; they desire, that is to say, to attain to peace with glory.  For what else is victory than the conquest of those who resist us?  And when this is done there is peace… for even those who intentionally interrupt the peace in which they are living have no hatred of peace, but only wish it changed into a peace that suits them better.  They do not, therefore, wish to have no peace, but only the peace that they desire.”

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It was precisely this attitude that led humanity into the tragedy of the Second World War.  From those ashes, the United Nations was born, whose eightieth anniversary was recently celebrated.  The UN was established by the determination of fifty-one nations as the center of multilateral cooperation in order to prevent future global catastrophes, for safeguarding peace, defending fundamental human rights and promoting sustainable development.

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I would like to draw particular attention to the importance of international humanitarian law.  Compliance with this cannot depend on mere circumstances and military or strategic interests. Humanitarian law, in addition to guaranteeing a minimum of humanity during the ravages of war, is a commitment that States have made.  Such law must always prevail over the ambitions of belligerents, in order to mitigate the devastating effects of war, also with a view to reconstruction.  We cannot ignore that the destruction of hospitals, energy infrastructure, homes and places essential to daily life constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law.  The Holy See firmly reiterates its condemnation of any form of involvement of civilians in military operations.  It likewise hopes that the international community will remember that the protection of the principle of the inviolability of human dignity and the sanctity of life always counts for more than any mere national interest.

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With this in mind, the United Nations has mediated conflicts, promoted development and helped States protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.  In a world facing complex challenges such as geopolitical tensions, inequalities and climate crises, the UN should play a key role in fostering dialogue and humanitarian support, helping to build a more just future. Efforts are therefore needed to ensure that the United Nations not only reflects the situation of today’s world rather than that of the post-war period, but that it is also more focused and efficient in pursuing policies aimed at the unity of the human family instead of ideologies.