Vatican City: The Holy See has warned that racism, online hatred and religious intolerance continue to threaten human dignity and weaken unity among people, calling for stronger efforts to promote equality, respect and understanding across society.
Archbishop Christophe Zakhia El Kassis, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations, delivered the warning on October 8 during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Addressing the Third Committee on the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, he urged the international community to reject ideologies that divide people and undermine their shared dignity.
The archbishop stressed that every human being possesses equal and inviolable dignity, a principle that the Church considers essential to building a genuine international community. He described racism and all forms of discrimination and intolerance as attacks on the unity of the human family.
He also cautioned against materialist and nationalist ideologies that encourage division rather than harmony. Despite progress in many areas, racism continues to exist in different forms, often driven by the false belief that people can be ranked as superior or inferior based on a single characteristic.
Archbishop El Kassis highlighted the discrimination faced by migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. People who leave their homes in search of safety and better living conditions often encounter indifference and prejudice instead of the welcome and protection they need.
He recalled the Pope's message during a Mass for migrants and refugees celebrated in the previous Jubilee Year, which drew attention to the suffering caused by indifference and discrimination.
The Holy See representative also warned that digital environments can become spaces where hatred and prejudice spread, increasing divisions within society. He stressed that data and technology should be used to protect human dignity and serve the common good.
Religious intolerance was another major concern raised in his address. Archbishop El Kassis called for the firm rejection of antisemitism, Christianophobia, Islamophobia and other forms of hostility based on religious prejudice.
He emphasised that discrimination against people because of their beliefs is incompatible with respect for the dignity shared by all human beings.
Concluding his address, the archbishop called on the international community to strengthen its efforts to uphold the inherent dignity of every person. He urged nations and communities to foster a culture of encounter, openness and mutual respect as essential steps towards greater understanding and unity.