‘Cease immediately the production and use of landmines’

At a summit on anti-personnel landmines, taking place in Cambodia, Pope Francis reiterated the Holy See’s commitment to fighting for a world that continues to strive for the abolition of weapons. Addressing attendees in a letter signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, he noted that landmines continue to silently claim innocent lives long after hostilities have ceased. The following is the English text of the Pope’s letter, which was read aloud by Archbishop Ettore Balestrero.

Mr President,

On behalf of His Holiness Pope Francis, I extend cordial greetings to Your Excellency, the people and the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia, as well as to all the representatives of the various States, international organizations, and civil society, participating in the Fifth Review Conference of the Convention on Anti-Personnel Landmines.

In the history of international efforts relating to disarmament, this Convention, since it is firmly rooted in the centrality of the human person and on a sense of shared responsibility,1 represents a concrete example of how multilateralism can be successful and fit for purpose. Such an approach has subsequently served as a model, inspiring the development of other treaties.

Regrettably, 25 years after the entry into force of this important document, anti-personnel landmines and victim-activated explosive devices continue to be used. Conflicts are a failure of humanity to live as a single human family. Moreover, even many years after the end of hostilities, these treacherous devices continue to cause terrible suffering to civilians, especially children, creating an additional sense of fear that disrupts livelihoods and hinders reconciliation, peace, and integral development.

It is deeply saddening that the number of these innocent victims has been increasing in recent years. How many more of them will be forced to bear the scars of conflict?2 When this occurs, it is evident that all of humanity loses, precisely because all human life is sacred.

For these reasons, Pope Francis urges all States that have not yet done so to accede to the Convention, and in the meantime, to cease immediately the production and use of landmines.

He also encourages all States Parties to implement fully the Convention, to fulfill their commitments with renewed urgency and perseverance, and to reinforce their international cooperation and solidarity. Unfortunately, any delay or setback will inevitably increase the human cost.

His Holiness is particularly grateful to those engaged in the inherently dangerous work of mine-clearance, as well as to the governmental and non-governmental organizations that are assisting the victims and their loved ones. Among these organizations, there is a significant number of faith-inspired associations: without their networks of solidarity, people in many places would be left to themselves.3 For its part, the Catholic Church remains determinately committed to assisting victims and to contributing to global peace.

In a world scarred by conflicts and violence, Pope Francis invokes God’s blessing upon you so that this Conference, inspired by the noble objectives of the Convention, may become an important step towards a world free of landmines and ensure truly integral and restorative assistance to victims.

From the Vatican,
25 November 2024

1  Cf. Pope Francis, Message to the President of the Fourth Review Conference of the Convention on Anti-Personnel Landmines, Oslo, 29 November 2019.

2   Cf. Idem.

3   Cf. Pope Francis, Address to the participants in the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences: “Disability and the human condition. Changing the social determinants of disabilities and building a new culture of inclusion”, 11 April 2024.