Today we observe the World Day for International Justice, a day dedicated to promoting international criminal justice and supporting the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in seeking justice for victims of war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. For Catholics, this day holds special significance as it aligns with our commitment to uphold human dignity, promote peace, and advocate for justice rooted in the Gospel values of love, mercy and solidarity.
Catholic social teaching affirms the inherent dignity of every human person, created in the image and likeness of God. Pope Saint John Paul II emphasised in his encyclical Sollicitudo Rei Socialis that justice is essential for building a society that respects and promotes the rights of all individuals. This includes ensuring access to legal and judicial systems that uphold human rights and seek accountability for crimes committed against humanity.
The Catholic Church, through its teaching and advocacy, calls for the pursuit of justice tempered with mercy and reconciliation. Pope Francis has emphasised the importance of fostering a culture of encounter and dialogue to address conflicts and promote peace. He encourages Catholics to actively engage in efforts to promote justice and reconciliation, both locally and globally.
The establishment of international mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), reflects a commitment to hold perpetrators of grave crimes accountable and provide justice for victims. The ICC plays a crucial role in promoting accountability and deterring future atrocities through its mandate to prosecute individuals responsible for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
On World Day for International Justice, let us renew our commitment to promoting a culture of peace, justice and reconciliation in our world. Inspired by the Gospel values of compassion and solidarity. Catholics are called to be advocates for those who suffer injustice and to work towards building a society where the dignity and rights of every person are respected and upheld. May our efforts to support international justice contribute to the healing of nations, the restoration of communities, and the promotion of a world where justice and peace reign.
