New York: Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, delivered a stirring appeal at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, urging the global body to renew its commitment to peace, human dignity, and multilateral cooperation. Speaking on behalf of Pope Leo XIV, Gallagher underscored the urgent need for structural reform at the UN to confront today’s challenges ranging from wars and poverty to climate change and artificial intelligence.
A Call to Recommit to the UN’s Founding Values
Gallagher reminded the Assembly that the UN, founded in 1945, was built to promote peace, development, and human rights. Eight decades later, he said, the world is at a crossroads marked by deepening conflicts, widening inequalities, and rising threats from environmental and technological disruption. “Isolationism leads to instability, whereas unity fosters shared progress,” he declared, stressing that global solidarity is the only way to address today’s crises.
Peace at the Heart of Renewal
The Archbishop described peace as more than the absence of war, calling it “an active and demanding gift” rooted in justice and respect for human dignity. He condemned cycles of hatred, vengeance, and rearmament, urging governments to prioritize diplomacy and redirect military expenditures toward poverty eradication and climate action. Gallagher renewed the Holy See’s proposal for a global fund financed by a fraction of defense budgets to promote sustainable development and aid the world’s poor.
Disarmament and Nuclear Weapons
Gallagher warned against the unprecedented rise in global military spending, which hit $2.72 trillion in 2024, describing it as a betrayal of humanity. He called nuclear arms immoral and illegal, noting that more than 12,000 warheads still threaten global survival. Marking 80 years since Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he insisted that “a world free from nuclear weapons is both necessary and possible.” He urged nations to recommit to treaties like the NPT, CTBT, and TPNW, and to halt nuclear modernization programs.
Defending Humanitarian Law
The Holy See’s envoy lamented growing disregard for international humanitarian law, citing attacks on civilians, hospitals, and places of worship, and the use of hunger as a weapon of war. Gallagher condemned the weakening of legal norms, calling it “shameful for humanity,” and demanded accountability for war crimes.
Freedom of Religion and Persecution of Christians
Highlighting that over 360 million Christians suffer persecution worldwide, Gallagher warned that religious freedom remains under siege. He insisted that religious liberty is a cornerstone of peace, encompassing freedom of conscience, belief, and worship. The Archbishop also recalled the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Vatican II declaration that revolutionized interreligious dialogue, stressing that mutual respect among faiths is essential to counter extremism and polarization.
Justice and Human Dignity
Gallagher placed the dignity of the human person at the center of international order. He condemned abortion, euthanasia, and surrogacy as violations of human dignity, reiterating the Holy See’s unwavering defense of life “from conception to natural death.” He urged States to address poverty, hunger, and systemic inequality, calling extreme deprivation “an assault on human dignity.” Debt cancellation for poor nations, he said, is not charity but justice.
Climate and Environmental Responsibility
Warning of an “ecological debt” between the Global North and South, Gallagher linked environmental destruction to human suffering, especially among indigenous peoples. He said climate change cannot be reduced to political bargaining, urging bold action to transform food systems, reduce exploitation of nature, and strengthen international cooperation under the Paris Agreement.
Migration, Refugees, and Human Trafficking
The Archbishop pressed nations to treat migrants and refugees with dignity, condemning human trafficking as a “heinous crime.” He called for safer migration pathways, family reunification, and stronger global frameworks, including the Global Compact on Migration and the Global Refugee Forum.
Artificial Intelligence and Workers’ Rights
Gallagher addressed the ethical dangers of artificial intelligence, describing it as a “new industrial revolution” that must not undermine human dignity or replace moral judgment. He urged the development of strict ethical guidelines to prevent exploitation. He also stressed the dignity of work, demanding fair wages, decent conditions, and social support systems to protect workers and families in an age of automation.
Global Conflicts: Ukraine, Middle East, Africa
Turning to conflicts, Gallagher made a passionate appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, warning that each day of war “steals something from all of humanity.” He supported a two-state solution for Israel-Palestine and condemned attacks on civilians. On Syria, he backed a peaceful transition that respects sovereignty and rights. He also welcomed democratic progress in parts of Africa but warned that corruption, authoritarianism, and instability continue to cause immense suffering.
Towards Reform and Renewal
In closing, Gallagher emphasized the UN’s responsibility to restore credibility by upholding peace, justice, and truth with clear, non-divisive language. He reminded leaders that power must serve humanity, not dominate it. “The time has come to stand up for peace and reject the logic of destruction,” he concluded, calling the 80th General Assembly a defining moment for the international community.