Pope Francis calls for global ban on landmines amid rising conflicts

Pope Francis has issued a passionate appeal for an end to the global production and use of anti-personnel landmines, condemning them as “treacherous devices” that inflict devastating harm on civilians, particularly children.

His message, delivered by Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the Fifth Review Conference on the Convention of Anti-Personnel Landmines in Siem Reap, Cambodia, comes just a week after U.S. President Joe Biden approved Ukraine’s use of American landmines in its conflict with Russia.

“Conflicts are a failure of humanity to live as a single human family,” Pope Francis wrote, urging all nations to accede to the Ottawa Treaty, an international agreement banning the use of anti-personnel mines, which took effect in 1999.

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While 164 states, including Ukraine, are parties to the treaty, major powers like the United States, Russia, and China remain outside its framework.

The pontiff’s message called on treaty signatories to renew their commitment, warning that delays in eliminating landmines would “inevitably increase the human cost.”

He further recognized the ongoing efforts of the landmine convention and those assisting victims and their families, praying that the conference’s objectives mark a significant step toward a mine-free world.

Francis also rebuked the broader arms industry, citing ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine as examples of humanity’s failure to prioritize peace.

“The arrogance of the invader prevails over dialogue,” he lamented, denouncing nations that speak of peace while investing heavily in arms production.

The pope’s plea aligns with his broader advocacy for peaceful resolutions, including his commemoration of the papal-mediated Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Argentina and Chile, which prevented war 40 years ago.