Vatican City: The Holy See has issued a strong warning that the world is moving toward a dangerous phase as reliance on nuclear deterrence grows, military arsenals are upgraded, and artificial intelligence becomes more involved in warfare decisions. The warning was delivered during the General Debate of the Eleventh Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Speaking through its Permanent Observer Mission, the Holy See described the current global situation as one of serious concern. It pointed to rising tensions between nations, weakening arms control systems, and the return of nuclear threats as signs that the world may be heading toward greater instability.
The Vatican delegation expressed concern that global diplomacy is shifting away from dialogue and cooperation. Quoting Pope Leo XIV, it said that diplomacy based on mutual understanding is being replaced by approaches driven by force and confrontation. This change, it warned, risks undermining trust among nations and increasing the chances of conflict.
The Holy See also raised alarm about recent attacks on nuclear related facilities, describing them as a troubling sign that long standing rules meant to protect global safety are being ignored. Such actions, it said, could lead to unintended escalation and wider consequences.
A major point of concern highlighted in the statement was the growing use of artificial intelligence in military systems, especially in nuclear decision making. The Holy See warned that such technologies could reduce the time available for human judgement during crises. This, in turn, increases the risk of errors or miscalculations that could have catastrophic results. It stressed that decisions involving human life must always carry moral responsibility and should not be left to automated systems.
Reaffirming its commitment to nuclear disarmament, the Holy See emphasized the importance of the Non Proliferation Treaty and its three key pillars, disarmament, non proliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. It reminded nuclear armed states that they have a legal obligation under the treaty to work toward the complete elimination of nuclear weapons.
The statement also warned that continued modernization of nuclear arsenals and expansion of deterrence strategies could reinforce a system that is both morally and strategically flawed. According to the Holy See, security based on fear and mutual threat cannot provide lasting peace.
Highlighting the humanitarian impact, the Vatican recalled the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons and renewed its support for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. It said this treaty strengthens both moral and legal efforts aimed at eliminating nuclear threats.
On non proliferation, the Holy See called for stronger safeguards through the International Atomic Energy Agency and renewed support for establishing a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle East. It noted that technical monitoring alone is not enough and that deeper political dialogue is necessary to address the root causes of insecurity.
At the same time, the Holy See acknowledged the right of countries to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including in medicine, agriculture, and environmental protection, provided they follow international rules.
In its concluding message, the Holy See echoed Pope Leo XIV’s call for a peace that is free from weapons and fear. It stressed that true peace can only be built through trust, dialogue, and a shared commitment to human dignity.