（2019.8．11 バチカン放送）
教皇フランシスコは11日のバチカンでの日曜正午の祈りの集いで、12日に締結70周年を迎える「ジュネーブ諸条約」に言及された。
教皇は、紛争下での武力行使の制限を定め、文民や捕虜を保護するこの諸条約を「国際法の重要な法源」である、とされ、諸条約締結から70周年の記念が「国々にとって、武力紛争の犠牲者の生命と尊厳の保護の不可欠性をより認識する機会となるように」と願われた。
そして、「すべての人は、国際人道法が定める限界を守り、無実の市民をはじめ、病院、学校、宗教施設、難民キャンプなどの公共施設を保護するよう求められています」と語り、「戦争とテロリズムは、常に全人類に対する大きな損失、敗北です」と強調された。
「ジュネーブ諸条約」は1949年8月12日にスイスのジュネーブで締結された。「戦地にある軍隊の傷者及び病者の状態の改善に関する条約」「海上にある軍隊の傷者、病者及び難船者の状態の改善に関する条約」「捕虜の待遇に関する条約、戦時における文民の保護に関する条約」の4つで構成されている。
（編集「カトリック・あい」）
The Geneva Conventions turn 70 By Vatican News
The Geneva Conventions is a unique set of agreements, treaties and protocols. Sometimes known as “the laws of war”, it is also the only universally ratified treaty in the world.
Who the Geneva Conventions protect
In the preamble to the 1949 Geneva Conventions, signatory nations clearly state their “earnest wish to see peace prevail among peoples”. By signing these agreements, every country in the world commits itself to safeguarding people not taking part in hostilities, protecting the sick and wounded, and respecting the basic rights of wartime prisoners.
The Fourth Geneva Convention deals in detail with the question of hostage taking, unlawful deportation and torture. Later treaties relate specifically to the prohibition of anti-personnel landmines.
What the Geneva Conventions mean today
Rapidly changing technologies mean the way war is conducted in the 21st century has changed radically since 1949. The Geneva Conventions remain the cornerstone of international humanitarian law. In many places they still provide the only legal protection for civilians caught up in a conflict zone. The attacking of civilians, according to the Conventions, constitutes a war crime. Anywhere.
Why Pope Francis praised the Geneva Conventions
Speaking before the Angelus in St Peter’s Square on Sunday, Pope Francis described the Geneva Conventions as “important international legal instruments which impose limits on the use of force”. All countries are required to observe these limits, he continued: “protecting unarmed populations and civil structures, especially hospitals, places of worship, and refugee camps”. “Let us not forget that war and terrorism are always a serious loss for humanity”, said the Pope, adding spontaneously: “they are the great defeat of humanity”.
