Holy See Urges Disarmament and Protection of Civilians at UN Debate

Vatican City, 25 May, 2025 - The Holy See has issued a strong appeal for disarmament and greater adherence to international humanitarian law, warning against the rising toll of armed conflicts on civilian populations worldwide.

Speaking at the United Nations Security Council’s open debate on 22 May, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See, stressed the need to end the use of indiscriminate weapons, including landmines and cluster munitions. He called for an immediate halt to arms production and the deployment of explosive weapons in populated areas.

“These are concrete and urgent steps towards better protection of civilians,” said Archbishop Caccia. He highlighted the alarming rise in conflict-related violence and its disproportionate impact on civilians, urging compliance with the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols.

The Archbishop also condemned deliberate attacks on civilians, including women, children, and humanitarian personnel, as well as the destruction of critical infrastructure and the denial of aid. Such actions, he stated, are not only human tragedies but also serious threats to international security.

The urgency of these calls is underscored by ongoing humanitarian crises such as those in Gaza and Ukraine, where civilian suffering continues to mount.

On 23 May, Pope Leo XIV met privately with the presidency of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE). Attendees reported that the Pope expressed concern over increased military spending at the cost of aid for the vulnerable.

Earlier, on 19 May, addressing leaders of various religions, Pope Leo stated: “If we are united and free from ideological or political conditioning, we can say ‘no’ to war, to the arms race, and to an economy that impoverishes both people and the Earth.”

As the world marks the tenth anniversary of Laudato si’, these words serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for peace and disarmament.

Courtesy: Vatican News