Statement on the Protection of Human Dignity, Territorial Integrity, and Just Governance

By A. Hernandez

ROME-RUTHENIA 6 February 2025 (NRom)

The Holy Apostolic See released the following policy statement, endorsed also by H.A.H. the Prince-Bishop: 

The United Roman-Ruthenian Church and Pontifical Imperial State affirms the fundamental Christian principles of human dignity, the sanctity of life, and the moral duty of governance to serve the well-being of all peoples.

Forced Displacement Violates Moral and Divine Law

The forced removal of populations—whether for political, economic, or military reasons—contradicts the teachings of the Gospel and the historical Christian understanding of just governance. Throughout history, the Church has condemned acts that render people stateless, uproot them from their ancestral lands, and deny them their right to community, culture, and worship.

Land and Governance Must Be Rooted in Historical and Moral Legitimacy

The acquisition of land or governance over a people must be based on rightful historical claims, continuity of stewardship, and moral legitimacy—not on force, opportunism, or military conquest. A nation or authority has no inherently rightful claim to a land simply because it desires it or sees economic potential in it.

Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing Are Utterly Condemned

Any action that intentionally results in the destruction of a people, their culture, or their ability to return to their homeland is an act against God Himself.  Such actions violate not only international law but the eternal law of God that commands justice, mercy, and the preservation of human life.

Righteous Leadership Seeks to Restore, Not Exploit

True Christian leadership seeks to restore lands to peace and justice—not to seize, exploit, or displace those who live there. Any attempt to redraw borders or reassign populations purely for political gain must be met with resistance by all those who uphold the principles of justice and divine order.

A Call for Just Stewardship

We call upon all leaders, nations, and authorities to cease all actions that result in the forced displacement of people, seek governance through righteousness, not exploitation, ensure that all peoples are free to live, worship, and thrive in their ancestral homelands, and uphold the divine and moral laws that safeguard human life and territorial integrity.

Those who seek power through conquest rather than stewardship must remember: Nations rise and fall, but God’s justice endures forever.

Prince-Bishop Expresses Condolences on Death of Aga Khan IV

Source: Creative Commons

By J. DuBois

ROME-RUTHENIA 5 February 2025 (NRom)

His Apostolic Highness the Prince-Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia joined world leaders in expressing his condolences on the recent death of His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV. The pontiff made the following statement: 

The death of Aga Khan IV marks the end of a significant chapter in global religious and philanthropic leadership. As the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community, he dedicated his life to the betterment of humanity, transcending religious and cultural boundaries.

His Highness was renowned for his unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for people worldwide. Through the Aga Khan Development Network, he championed initiatives in education, healthcare, and cultural preservation, benefiting individuals across various faiths and backgrounds. His efforts in promoting pluralism and fostering interfaith dialogue have been instrumental in building bridges between diverse communities.

As we reflect on his legacy, we are reminded of the shared values that unite different faith traditions in the pursuit of compassion, understanding, and service to others. The Roman-Ruthenian Church and State extends its heartfelt condolences to the Ismaili Muslim community during this time of mourning. May His Highness's enduring contributions continue to inspire efforts toward a more just and harmonious world.