Vatican Appeals for Multilateralism and Dialog at UN general Assembly

On September 29, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Foreign Minister of the Holy See, delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, appealing to the international community to work to promote human peace, progress, and human rights through diplomacy and dialogue based on the principles of multilateralism.He also expressed his views on various topics such as disarmament, international humanitarian law, human dignity, preservation of creation, and artificial intelligence.

In 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations’ founding, Archbishop Gallagher’s address carries particular weight. It comes at a time when multilateralism and the rules-based international order are facing challenges.The Holy See’s participation is facilitated by its permanent observer status within the organization.

the Holy See’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York shares the Catholic Church’s centuries of experience, assisting the UN in its pursuit of peace, justice, human dignity, and humanitarian cooperation. This work aims to secure freedom for all people of faith and to promote rights rooted in the transcendent nature of humanity, enabling individuals to pursue faith and seek God. The mission advocates for religious freedom, the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death, and extensive human development – encompassing marriage, family, parental roles, employment, solidarity with the poor, the eradication of violence against women and children, poverty reduction, food security, healthcare, and education.

The Holy See intentionally maintains permanent observer status rather than full membership to preserve its neutrality on specific political issues.

The purpose of the Holy See’s engagement with multilateral organizations like the UN, and the expectations placed upon it by many nations, lies in its ability to offer direction and spiritual inspiration to guide international relations.

Pope saint Paul VI was the first Pope to address the United Nations, visiting headquarters on October 4, 1965, and famously declaring, “Ther must be no more war, there must never be war! There must be peace, peace, which should guide the fate of the peoples and of all mankind!”

Subsequent papal visits included Pope St. John Paul II (October 2, 1979 and October 5, 1995), Pope Benedict XVI (April 18, 2008), and Pope Francis (September 25, 2015), each delivering speeches to the General Assembly.

The Pursuit of Peace: A call for Disarmament and Global Justice

Peace is not merely the absence of war, but a positive state rooted in mutual respect, justice, and love – fundamental pillars of a values-based society. As Pope Leo XIII articulated, true peace demands a proper understanding of humanity and the establishment of a just order. Building a peaceful and prosperous society requires a daily commitment to restoring the order intended by God, a commitment that flourishes as individuals recognize and embrace their role in promoting peace. This peace must reside deeply within each heart, spreading from families and communities to the political sphere, fostering a culture capable of influencing the entire international community through respect for justice. Indeed, peace cannot thrive without individual well-being, trust, and the free sharing of spiritual wealth and talents.

Peacebuilding necessitates rejecting hatred and revenge in favor of dialogue and reconciliation. We are all called to be “artisans of peace” working for the common good, benefiting all, not just a few. The Holy See commends those who build bridges through non-violent means, illuminating the path to brotherhood and a culture of encounter.

The international community must prioritize diplomacy over division, redirecting resources from war towards projects that promote justice, dialogue, and improved conditions for the poor and vulnerable. The Holy See reiterates its proposal for an international fund,sourced from military spending,to eradicate poverty and hunger,promote sustainable development,and combat climate change – an essential foundation for lasting peace.

Disarmament

A crucial first step towards peace is building trust. However, large-scale military build-ups undermine this goal, creating threats and fueling fear. “peace is impossible without true disarmament,” and the call to self-defense must not devolve into a rearmament race. Global military spending reached an unprecedented $2.72 trillion by 2024, perpetuating a cycle of violence and diverting resources from those most in need.

Disarmament is not simply a political or strategic necessity, but a moral imperative grounded in the sacredness of human life and the interconnectedness of humanity. The Holy See expresses concern over countries withdrawing from international disarmament treaties and urges the international community to tirelessly promote multilateral agreements, reduce conventional and nuclear weapons stockpiles, strengthen non-proliferation regimes, and build confidence-building measures for common security.

the Holy See calls upon States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBTO), and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear weapons (TPNW) to fully implement and strengthen their legal frameworks. nuclear weapons states should take concrete steps to reduce stockpiles, halt modernization, and engage in obvious dialogue to build trust. Ultimately, resources must be reinvested in education, medical care, and sustainable development, striving for a world free of nuclear weapons.

the production and stockpiling of nuclear weapons is a grave affront to peace, diverting resources from human development into destructive capabilities. Currently, over 12,000 nuclear warheads exist globally, possessing an explosive power equivalent to more than 100,000 Hiroshima atomic bombs.

First Nuclear Test and Hiroshima 80th Anniversary

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the first nuclear test in 1945 and the devastating atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

toward mutual respect, justice, and peace. In a world marred by religious extremism, cultural polarization, and conflict often fueled by misunderstandings, these conversations are a moral imperative. Making differences enrich rather than divide requires humility, openness, and a commitment to active listening. Religion must also be protected from abuse and instrumentalization.

the Holy See is at the forefront of interreligious dialogue, and this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Second vatican Council’s landmark declaration of Nostra Aetate on the relationship between the Catholic Church and non-Christian religions. Our Day, promulgated on October 28, 1965, was a transformative call to reject prejudice and embrace the universal dignity of all human beings, created in the image and likeness of God. This ushered in a new era of understanding, especially in Catholic-Jewish relations, and promoted respect for all religious traditions. Over the past 60 years, the principles of our Time have inspired numerous attempts at dialogue, reconciliation and cooperation, from interreligious encounters to joint efforts to address global challenges such as poverty, migration and climate change.

Dear Chairman,

Justice: defending Dignity and Promoting the Common Good

Pope Leo XIV clearly stated: “To work for peace we must act justly. […] In the changing times in which we live, the Holy See cannot remain silent in the face of unjust working conditions and the numerous imbalances and injustices that are leading to increasingly divided and conflict-ridden societies. “Every effort must be made to overcome the global inequalities between wealth and poverty that create deep divisions within continents, countries and even individual societies.”[16]

human dignity

In our teetering world, human dignity must be at the center of all our efforts. The dignity of each person is intrinsic and not dependent on convenience or circumstances and must be respected in all policies, laws, and actions. This principle calls us to reject all forms of exploitation, discrimination and violence that dehumanize and divide people around the world. Rather, it is our duty to protect the fundamental human rights and freedoms enshrined in the universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Holy See urges the international community to renew its efforts to create conditions in which human dignity can flourish. This includes ensuring access to basic needs such as food, clean water, housing, health care, and education, and also protecting the poor and needy, including refugees, migrants, and people persecuted for their faith.

It also means defending everyone’s right to life.Having witnessed the horrors of war and the consequences of those who claim omnipotence over the life and death of their brothers and sisters, the founders of the United Nations rightly declared that no power can stand above the inherent dignity and sanctity of human life. The Holy See has remained firm in supporting and promoting the right to life from conception to natural death, emphasizing that this is a fundamental prerequisite for the exercise of all other rights. The Holy See also clearly states the illegality of all forms of induced abortion and euthanasia. Rather than promoting a culture of death,resources should be used to protect life and support people in tough,even tragic,situations to make life-changing decisions. This also includes allowing pregnant women to give birth to their fetuses. Resources must also be allocated to alleviate human suffering caused by the disease through appropriate medical and palliative care. It must be made clear that only the right to life exists and that no right opposing it can exist. Even if it is indeed disguised in the name of freedom.

Actually,when freedom excludes even the clearest evidence of objective and universal truths that are the foundation of personal and social life,humans end up following subjective and capricious opinions and interests.This view of freedom causes serious distortions in social life. at that point, everything becomes negotiable and tradable, and even the most fundamental right, the right to life, becomes no exception. [17]

Another problem that threatens the inviolable dignity of human beings by reducing them to mere commodities is the so-called practice of surrogacy, which seriously violates

A Call for Global Justice: Debt Relief, Ecological Responsibility, and Dignified Migration

The pursuit of global justice demands a multifaceted approach, addressing systemic inequalities that perpetuate poverty, environmental degradation, and human suffering. A critical starting point lies in acknowledging and rectifying past injustices, especially concerning international debt. Many nations,burdened by unsustainable debt,are trapped in cycles of poverty,and as a matter of justice,this debt must be written off. Moreover, providing debt relief to the poorest countries, ensuring a fair distribution of global resources, and investing in sustainable development are all essential steps toward a more equitable world.

This call resonates with the Catholic Church’s concept of Jubilee, where the Holy See urges recognition of past injustices and the cancellation of unpayable debts, framing this not as generosity, but as a fundamental right. This is further compounded by a growing awareness of “ecological debt” – a consequence of the commercial imbalance between the North and south, the unequal exploitation of natural resources, and its detrimental impact on the environment.

Addressing ecological debt is intrinsically linked to “environmental justice,” which is no longer an abstract concept but an urgent necessity encompassing social, economic, and human rights. The international community must reaffirm its commitment to creation care, a mission underscored by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. However, the urgency is heightened by a geopolitical landscape marked by conflict and a weakening of multilateralism, coupled with a climate crisis disproportionately impacting the poorest and most vulnerable populations – those least responsible for its cause.

The consequences of climate change, exacerbated by armed conflict, are increasingly severe, and their impact is not evenly distributed. As Pope Leo XIV noted, the destruction of nature disproportionately affects the poor, marginalized, and indigenous communities, posing a clear threat to future generations’ well-being, peace, and security. Nature must not be treated as a commodity for economic or political gain, but rather protected through strengthened international cooperation, technology sharing, and education promoting a culture of care.

Similarly, migrants and refugees represent a stark manifestation of global inequalities. deprived of dignity and facing perilous journeys, their plight demands a response rooted in ethics, humanity, and solidarity. The inherent dignity of all migrants, refugees, and internally displaced persons must be respected, irrespective of their legal status. Policies should prioritize their safety,protection,and humane treatment,upholding the principle of non-refoulement and preventing exploitation,with a particular focus on family reunification.

To mitigate the risks associated with irregular migration, expanding safe, orderly, and legal migration pathways is crucial to disrupt human smuggling and trafficking networks. The Holy See unequivocally condemns human trafficking and advocates for a robust political declaration at the upcoming High-Level Meeting to review the Global Plan of Action to Combat it.

Truth: Guidelines for Multilateralism and Discourse Clarity

Real relationships and conversations require clear and unambiguous language.If language isn’t commonly agreed upon, reinterpreted, or becomes ambiguous, dialogue efforts can be jeopardized. there have been numerous attempts to reinterpret the fundamental rights contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.Regrettably, these new interpretations not only divide the international community, but also distort our view of human nature. In the current context of urgent need for multilateral dialogue between countries, mutual respect and understanding require the use of clear and non-divisive language.

Effective multilateralism based on dialogue

Dear Chairman,

On the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, the Holy See reaffirms the significant achievements in many fields since its founding in 1945 and its enduring importance. The United Nations continues to function as an active forum where all nations, under equal sovereignty, engage in dialogue to address global challenges.

But we must also acknowledge the limitations and shortcomings of the United Nations and the deepening credibility crisis within the multilateral system. Rather than overshadowing the UN’s achievements,these challenges should spark new efforts to revitalize the UN.

Why Clarity Matters in Global Discourse

The core issue isn’t simply about choosing different words; it’s about preserving the foundational principles that enable productive international relations. When definitions of fundamental concepts like “human rights” are altered or contested, it erodes the basis for common ground. This leads to increased polarization and hinders the ability to address shared global challenges effectively.

The Danger of reinterpretation

Reinterpreting established agreements and declarations isn’t a neutral act. it often serves specific agendas and can undermine the universality of those principles. A consistent understanding of core values is essential for building trust and fostering genuine cooperation between nations. Without it, dialogue becomes a series of talking points rather than a sincere exchange of ideas.

Revitalizing Multilateralism

The Holy See’s statement highlights a crucial point: acknowledging the UN’s shortcomings isn’t a sign of defeat, but an chance for betterment. Revitalizing multilateralism requires a commitment to honest self-assessment and a willingness to address the systemic issues that undermine its effectiveness. This includes prioritizing clear dialogue and a shared understanding of fundamental principles.

Key Takeaways

• Clear Language is Essential: Unambiguous language is the foundation of productive international dialogue.
• Protect Foundational Principles: Avoid reinterpreting core concepts like human rights, as this can lead to division.
• Acknowledge Shortcomings: Recognizing the limitations of international organizations like the UN is the first step toward improvement.
• Prioritize Mutual Understanding: genuine cooperation requires a commitment to shared values and a willingness to engage in respectful dialogue.