During the 88th Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Holy See's Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York, expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict and violence in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. He strongly emphasized the Holy See's plea for an immediate cessation of hostilities, urging for a halt to the shedding of blood.
The Archbishop reminded the international community of Pope Francis' heartfelt appeal to all political leaders and stakeholders in the world to exert every effort possible to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. The Holy See continues to advocate for peace and calls for an end to the use of weapons in this critical situation.
In addition to expressing gratitude to the States that have provided refuge and assistance to displaced individuals, Archbishop Caccia underlined the vital significance of ensuring ongoing humanitarian aid for those who remain displaced. The Holy See firmly believes in the necessity of continued support until these individuals can safely, voluntarily, and with dignity return to their homes.
Of particular concern for the Vatican representative is the prompt reunification of families that have been separated due to the conflict. It is imperative to prioritize the reunification process, giving special attention to safeguarding the best interests of affected children. The Holy See calls for a compassionate and efficient approach in addressing this crucial aspect of humanitarian support during these challenging times.
Archbishop Caccia emphasized the importance of not succumbing to resignation in the face of immense suffering caused by the conflict. He echoed Pope Francis' call for the international community to unite in their efforts to pursue peace actively. The Holy See firmly believes that despite the challenges, working together for peace should be the primary focus.
Furthermore, Archbishop Caccia revealed that Pope Francis entrusted Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi with the crucial responsibility of leading missions aimed at listening to the affected communities and identifying humanitarian gestures that could pave the way towards lasting peace.
This assignment underscores the Pope's commitment to finding compassionate and constructive solutions to the ongoing crisis. The Holy See remains dedicated to promoting peace, compassion, and solidarity in the pursuit of alleviating human suffering and establishing lasting harmony in the region.
Echoing the plea made by Pope Francis, Archbishop Caccia emphasized the critical and pressing necessity to exhaust all available diplomatic channels, including previously unexplored ones, in order to put an end to the devastating tragedy of war. He stressed that war itself is a grave mistake and a horrifying reality that must be halted.
Concluding his address to the United Nations, the Vatican's Permanent Observer restated the Holy See's unwavering call for an immediate ceasefire and urged the initiation of negotiations aimed at achieving a just and enduring peace. The Holy See remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for an end to the hostilities and the establishment of lasting peace in the region.