Brief
ICRC president urges respect for humanitarian law in talks with Pope and Italian president
Spoljaric highlighted the link between war conduct and global peace, and noted the upcoming High‑Level Conference in Jordan.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Rome (ICRC) – ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric met His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and later Italian President Sergio Mattarella, warning that rising conflict and declining respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) threaten humanity.
Spoljaric said, “More war, combined with less respect for international humanitarian law, risks putting humanity on a very dangerous path,” as reported by the ICRC. She added that the way wars are fought in one region influences others, and that choices before, during and after conflict determine whether peace can be restored.
The Holy See and Italy have joined a Global Initiative led by 122 states to revive IHL commitment. The effort will culminate in a High‑Level Conference on 7 December 2026 in Jordan, hosted by King Abdullah II, to turn political pledges into concrete action.
Key facts
- ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric met Pope Leo XIV and President Sergio Mattarella in Rome. (icrc.org)
- Spoljaric warned that increased war and reduced respect for IHL endanger humanity. (icrc.org)
- The Holy See and Italy joined a Global Initiative on IHL involving 122 states. (icrc.org)
- A High‑Level Conference to uphold humanity in war will be held on 7 December 2026 in Jordan. (icrc.org)
Sources
- [1] icrc.org — originally reported as “ICRC president underscores role of international humanitarian law as foundation for global peace and stability in Audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and President Mattarella in Rome”
