Pope Benedict on Sunday called for a total global ban on the use of landmines.
Eighty percent of states have signed the 1997 convention banning antipersonnel mines.
However, the United States, China and Russia are among 38 nations that have not signed the Ottawa treaty, which was the first global accord against landmines.
" ... These weapons, which continue to cause victims, including many children, should be completely banned," Benedict said at his weekly Angelus blessing.
He gave his support to a conference of nations that have banned landmines which opens in Jordan on Sunday.
News
New ‘Tyndale Trail’ launched to mark 500 years of English New Testament
A new long-distance walking route tracing the life of Bible translator William Tyndale has been launched in south-west England, as part of commemorations marking 500 years since his groundbreaking English New Testament.
Russia and Ukraine agree to temporary Orthodox Easter truce
In the Orthodox calendar, Easter falls one week after the date celebrated in western Europe.
Bishop urges people of Britain to stand up for Christian truth
It follows an earlier open letter addressed to King Charles, calling upon him to defend Christianity in line with his titles of Supreme Governor of the Church of England and "Defender of the Faith".
Fundraising Regulator reminds churches that collections are subject to code of practice
Churches can breach the code even when acting in good faith.