Speaking at a New York conference focused on interreligious dialogue and tolerance, according to Vatican News, the Vatican representative emphasized that malicious rhetoric targeting individuals based on religion, ethnicity, or nationality undermines fundamental human freedoms.
Vatican Address at the United Nations
Archbishop El-Kassis delivered his remarks during the World Conference on the Promotion of Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue and Tolerance in the Fight Against Hate Speech. The event was organized by the Kingdom of Morocco, the United Nations Office on the Prevention of Genocide and the Responsibility to Protect (OSAPG), and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. According to Vatican News, El-Kassis stated that every human possesses an inviolable dignity that no ideology or expression of contempt can diminish.
During his remarks, El-Kassis drew upon papal teachings to emphasize the weight of everyday speech, noting that unchecked rhetoric directly contradicts the moral imperative to love one’s neighbor and respect differences.
The Impact of Hate Speech on Social Peace
According to Vatican News, the Vatican envoy told conference attendees that hate speech creates a direct pathway to persecution and social division. “L’incitamento all’odio – sia esso diretto contro individui o comunità sulla base della loro religione, etnia, nazionalità o qualsiasi altra caratteristica – contraddice il comandamento di amare il prossimo, avvelena il dibattito pubblico, alimenta le divisioni e troppo spesso prepara il terreno alla violenza e alla persecuzione,” El-Kassis stated.
The Holy See’s delegation maintained that while freedom of expression remains a foundational human right, it carries inherent responsibilities. Rhetoric that deliberately incites hatred or violence forfeits protection under free expression principles because it destroys the societal conditions required for true freedom to exist.
Promoting Tolerance Through Intercultural Dialogue
El-Kassis defined true tolerance as an active recognition of equal human dignity and freedom of conscience rather than mere indifference or relativism. According to Vatican News, the Holy See continues to champion interreligious and intercultural dialogue as an essential method for dismantling stereotypes and building peaceful societies.
The ongoing diplomatic engagement by the Vatican at United Nations headquarters underscores the Holy See’s broader multilateral efforts. Alongside Archbishop El-Kassis in New York, other Vatican representatives such as Archbishop Ettore Balestrero have recently engaged international bodies in Geneva and other forums to advocate for human rights, equitable development, and international humanitarian standards.
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