HOLY SEE AT U.N. CALLS FOR CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES IN UKRAINE, RETURN TO DIPLOMACY AND DIALOGUE

Statement by His Excellency Archbishop Gabriele Caccia
Permanent Observer of the Holy See
at the 11th Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly
New York, March 2, 2022

Mr. President,

Thank you for calling this Emergency Special Session as "in recent days we have been shaken by something tragic: war."

The Holy See joins the many Member States and millions across the globe who call for the immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and a return to diplomacy and dialogue.

Mr. President,

This Organization was founded "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war" and "live together in peace with one another as good neighbors." It is the duty of all States to seek to resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation or by other peaceful means, even when war has commenced.

Mr. President,

Last Sunday, Pope Francis expressed his closeness with all who now suffer as a result of the conflict, stressing that "it is urgent to open humanitarian corridors, and [those fleeing] must be welcomed. With a heart broken by what is happening in Ukraine – and let us not forget the wars in other parts of the world … – I repeat: put down your weapons! … [T]hose who love peace… reject war as an instrument of aggression against the freedom of other peoples and as a means for the settlement of international disputes."

The Holy See wishes to express, also in this forum, its appreciation to those States which are offering humanitarian assistance to those in need both in Ukraine and in neighboring countries in which many Ukrainians have sought safety.

Mr. President,

Pope Francis has called on believers and non-believers alike to observe this Wednesday (March 2) as a "day to be close to the sufferings of the Ukrainian people, to feel that we are all brothers and sisters, and to implore of God the end of the war."

The Holy See is convinced that there is always "time for goodwill, there is still room for negotiation, there is still a place for the exercise of a wisdom that can prevent the predominance of partisan interest, safeguard the legitimate aspirations of everyone, and spare the world from the folly and horrors of war." May this Emergency Special Session advance efforts that help attain this end.

Thank you, Mr. President.