More bloodshed in the world What have we learnt?

One hundred years since the outbreak of World War I and seventy years since the escalation of horrors perpetrated by the Nazi regime across Europe in the Second World conflict, the month of August confirmed to be the epitome of tragedy. August 2014 was marked by moving commemorations and memorial ceremonies. The purpose was to cherish the memory of the departure, in the heart of summer 1914, of millions of young Europeans headed towards a mass slaughter (“the useless massacre”, said Pope Benedict XVI), to remember the countless mass executions of summer 1944. It was an occasion to recall a painful past, and to insert this past within our present, to reaffirm the lessons of such events for our present and our future. We have listened to the words of heads of State, of ministers, mayors, of organizations of war veterans: no more war, no more racism, no more anti-Semitism, no more hatred, no more destruction, no pain nor tears. Yes to peace, to solidarity, to friendships between populations. At the same time, the sound of bombings, the cries of wounded people, the laments over the deaths, the clamour of fleeing populations, has filled our world with renewed cruelty and cynicism. The 20th century, a century of iron and mass exterminations, has passed the baton to a new century, which appears to be even worse. In the centre of Europe, Ukraine is overwhelmed by civil war, a civil aircraft can be torn down without consequences for the culprits; in the Holy Land peace seems an ever more distant scenario; this horrible August has been the month of the martyrdom of Christians in Syria and Iraq. Nor can we forget the endless martyrdom of young girls in Nigeria, while anti-Semitic slogans and threats believed to be disappeared long since were heard across cities in Europe. The world has gone back to a barbarian era; a globalization of barbarity. What should be done? The world of democracy and human rights is experiencing difficulties in its attempt to prevent the progress of barbarity. Is resorting to arms an answer? Diplomacy has reached a dead end – exception made, we hope, for Europe – and it clashes against the high walls of fanaticism. As we all know tensions and conflicts add war unto war, multiplying suffering without providing long-lasting solutions. We are facing an escalating crisis in international relations, whereby nation-States have stopped respecting the rules and international bodies are utterly incapable of imposing them. Recent events in Iraq have brought this underlying crisis to the fore. Also Vatican diplomacy is facing new difficulties, especially as relates to the destiny of Christians in eastern countries, notably in Iraq, since there are new structures and organizations which recognize no form of humanism, dialogue is not a part of their culture. Solidarity and welcome remain. We must welcome the commitment of those European Countries that have received large numbers of refugees despite the economic crisis. We are especially thankful to initiatives taken by Catholic organizations, which despite the risks are relentless in their commitment to bring to victims of persecutions humanitarian aid that ensures their survival. The doors are still open to dialogue, even the most difficult and risky dialogue, as incessantly repeated by Pope Francis. Many years have passed since the major crises of the past century broke out: what has humanity learned?