The Pope regards the well-being of the suffering individuals as highly significant or crucial
The world is currently grappling with more than 120 million refugees, a number that continues to rise due to ongoing conflicts that have an unprecedented impact on civilians, forcing them to flee with more terror than ever before.
Among the many crises, the situation in Gaza stands out as a drama of consternation and horror. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is not present in Gaza due to issues of mandate and responsibility, but the need for their presence is more pressing than ever. The area is witnessing massacres, pressure on civilians to expel them from their homes, and grave violations of international law.
In a bid to address these neglected crises, the Vatican has become a platform for discussions. There's an echo of interest and engagement from the Catholic Church, with Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, visiting the Vatican in September 2025, where he met Pope Leo XIV. The meeting focused on global crises, including those in Gaza, Myanmar, Ukraine, and various African countries.
The situation in Myanmar is complex, with a government not internationally recognized, various ethnic and national movements, and an increase in fighting with the use of aerial means. The Rohingyas, a persecuted and marginalized minority in Myanmar, live in difficult conditions, partly in refugee camps in Bangladesh and part in Myanmar under the control of armed groups. The UNHCR is actively involved in Myanmar, dealing with displaced persons, humanitarian issues, and the Rohingya minority.
The UNHCR spoke to de facto authorities in Myanmar as a humanitarian organization, trying to re-establish dialogue and convey the message of stopping attacks on civilians. The decline of international humanitarian law poses a major risk not only for populations in crisis areas but also for the rest of the world, as once these barriers are removed, there's no limit to the violence that could potentially affect everyone.
The reduction in humanitarian aid from the US and European countries, including Germany, France, and the UK, is causing a financial crisis for humanitarian organizations like the UNHCR. This reduction in aid is counterproductive, as it leads to more population movements. An example given was the situation in Chad, where American aid previously represented more than 50% of international aid, but has now been significantly reduced.
The Pope has expressed his deep pain about ongoing global crises, including those in Gaza and Myanmar, and has been vocal about these issues recently. He expressed concern about the US attitude towards migrations and discussed this issue with the American vice-president.
The long-term impact of the situation in Gaza is expected to be catastrophic for Palestinians, Israel, and humanity as a whole. The UNHCR was in Goma last week to discuss with the M23 group, trying to re-establish dialogue and convey the message of stopping attacks on civilians.
As Filippo Grandi's tenure as UN High Commissioner for Refugees comes to an end, the world is left with a critical humanitarian situation, with conflicts affecting refugees globally. The reduction in aid, the discontinuation of international humanitarian law, and the ongoing crises in various countries pose significant challenges that need immediate attention and action.
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