Lucy Gift

Austin High School

The Holy See
Committee: Geneva Conventions
Topic: Establishing Rules of War

Starting in 1939, with an attempt to mediate peace between major

European nations, unity became the primary concern of The Holy See. The publishing of Summi
Pontificates in 1939 set the tone for the papacy of Pope Pius XII. Subtitled On the Unity of
Human Society, the encyclical discussed the concepts behind ideologies of racism, cultural
superiority, and the state of totalitarianism. It promotes the belief that the human race is full of
unity in that we all come from a singular similar ancestor, Adam. Also, it discusses how there are
not any superior or inferior cultures in that our different levels of development enable us to
enrich the human race. Regarding totalitarianism, it is a direct threat to peace in the world and
should be resisted. Though Rome as a whole was occupied by Germany in 1943, The Vatican,
referring to Vatican City and The Holy See, itself was not, thus having an impartial role on the
issue (Shack). Having a neutral stance during this era of conflict, The Holy See would like to
extend the common good by expanding a policy of peace to promote less hostile ways of dealing
with disputes amongst nations.
Throughout World War II, The Vatican was turned into a center of aid for different areas
of the world. There was aid provided for war victims, lobbying for peace, intelligence shared
with allies, and media presented speaking out against war atrocities. An information office for
refugees and prisoners of war was also opened in which 10 million information requests and

nearly 11 million answers were produced. With human beings being the center of this debate,
their well-being should be our primary concern (Pre-Geneva). Treating citizens and soldiers
inhumanely, whether they are enemies or not, shall not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Every citizen deserves proper care and protection from a presiding nation and every citizen has
the right to peace and a healthy environment.
In the past, conflicting nations have drafted agreements and treaties specific to their
situation, creating bilateral pacts between whichever two countries were conflict. In order to
maintain the peace throughout the world, a common international law should be developed. With
the current state of this international concern, The Holy See would like to emphasize its concern
with the treatment of prisoners of war, injured soldiers, and the use of lethal weapons such, as
mustard gas, during times of conflict. (Shack)
Regarding prisoners of war, The Holy See hopes rules granting any necessary medical
attention along with adequate nutritional substances are implemented. Treating prisoners of war
humanely is also of great concern to The Holy See. The eradication of torture and human
experimentation should be enacted as The Holy See views it as unjust and bestial. The Holy See
advocates that any wounded or sick soldiers be treated and cared for in any area when needed.
Hospitals and Red Cross Relief areas should be seen as neutral zones and protected as such to
provide any care and attention necessary for any soldier or civilian. The use of mustard gas
should be prohibited as it has only been used for lethal purposes. Peaceful tactics towards solving
global and international conflicts should be promoted instead of mortal actions. (Pictet)
The Holy See believes the most efficient way to preserve peace throughout the world is to
refrain from using lethal weapons that wipe out entire populations and in turn provide help and
resources to those that need it. The well-being of humans should be each nations primary

concern. While technology has allowed our society to advance, it must be ensured that we are
using it for the proper reasons. The primacy of our well-being must be reaffirmed throughout
society in this time of conflict and need. It needs to be accepted that resolutions do not come
about through mass killings and torture, but rather through compromise and support. In the great
words of Pope Pius XII, The danger is imminent, but there is still time. Nothing is lost with
peace; all can be lost with war!

Pictet, Jean S. (n.d.): n. pag. Geneva Convention. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.

"Pre-Geneva Conventions and the Law of War." Pre-Geneva Conventions. The Heritage
Foundation, n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015.
Shack, Clifford. "The Rothschild and The "Nazi" Pope." The Rothschild and The "Nazi" Pope.
Correct History, n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.