‘Civilians killed in war aren’t ‘collateral damage’

Pope Francis condemned “war crimes” perpetrated against civilians in conflicts such as in Gaza and Ukraine and said those killed should not be considered “collateral damage.”

“The distinction between military and civil objectives is no longer respected,” the 87-year-old pontiff said in his New Year’s address to diplomats at the Vatican.

“There is no conflict that does not end up in some way indiscriminately striking the civilian population. The events in Ukraine and Gaza are clear proof of this,” he added.

“We must not forget that grave violations of international humanitarian law are war crimes,” he continued in a speech dominated by calls for an end to conflicts around the world.

Francis said people “need to realize more clearly that civilian victims are not ‘collateral damage’ but men and woman, with names and surnames, who lose their lives.”

“Were we to be able to look each of them in the eye, call them by name, and learn something of their personal history, we would see war for what it is — nothing other than an immense tragedy,” he said.