Path to Peace Gala on May 23, 2024
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"Dignitas Infinitas" on Human Dignity
Image Source: Vatican Media
" Every human person possesses an infinite dignity, inalienably grounded in his or her very being, which prevails in and beyond every circumstance, state, or situation the person may ever encounter. This principle, which is fully recognizable even by reason alone, underlies the primacy of the human person and the protection of human rights."
Holy See Statements at the UN
Archbishop Caccia Delivers Statements During the 6th Committee on Crimes Against Humanity, Resumed Session
From the 1st–4th April 2024, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, issued six statements during the Sixth Committee Resumed Session during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In his remarks, Archbishop Caccia called for the conclusion of a universal, multilateral, legally binding instrument to codify the existing customary law in the area of crimes against humanity. He emphasized that when crimes against humanity are committed, human dignity is attacked, but not lost. As Pope Francis has stated, the dignity of others is to be respected in all circumstances because “human beings possess an intrinsic worth superior to that of material objects and contingent situations."
All six statements may be found on the Holy See Mission website. The first is linked below.
Statement by Archbishop Caccia at the United Nations Disarmament Commission
On 2 April 2024, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, delivered a statement at the General Exchange of Views at the United Nations Disarmament Commission during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Archbishop Caccia began his remarks by emphasizing that deterrence is an illusion. Rather than preventing conflict, he said, the availability of weapons encourages their use, increases their production, creates mistrust, and diverges resources. The illusory logic of deterrence, he said, is often used to justify the continued possession of nuclear arms. Archbishop Caccia reiterated the Holy See’s call for all states to reject nuclear deterrence and join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
Similarly, regarding the urgent need to develop a normative and operation framework addressing the use of artificial intelligence, Archbishop Caccia reiterated the Holy See’s proposal to consider the creation of an international agency on artificial intelligence.
Statement by Archbishop Caccia at the Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security: Preventing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
On 23 April 2024, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, delivered a statement during the Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security. The theme of the discussion was “Preventing conflict-related sexual violence through demilitarisation and gender-responsive arms control.”
In the statement, Archbishop Caccia expressed concern about the practice of deliberate sexual violence as a strategic method of war by terrorist organizations and other non-State armed groups. He also reiterated the importance of considering approaches that can effectively address the real needs of women and girls who fall victim to violence. In this regard, Archbishop Caccia warned that repeated attempts to erase the differences between women and men can undermine efforts to address the impact of arms proliferation and the trafficking on women and girls.
Finally, he emphasized the importance of recognizing women as agents of change and advocated for increasing their participation in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and disarmament efforts.
Statement by Archbishop Caccia at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
On 16 April 2024, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, delivered a statement at the 23rd Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The topic of the discussion was “Enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Self-determination in the Context of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Emphasizing the Voices of Indigenous Youth.”
Archbishop Caccia began the statement by saying that in accordance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), indigenouspeoples have the right to self-determination, exercised in conformity with international law, which allows them to pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.
Archbishop Caccia especially recognized the role of indigenous youth as present and future custodians of their culture. Indigenous youth, he stated, can play a unique role in safeguarding and revitalizing their cultural heritage; fostering intergenerational dialogue and cooperation within their communities; and advocating for the protection of ancestral lands, natural resources, and ecosystems.
Statement by Archbishop Caccia at the ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development Follow-Up
On 24 April 2024, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, delivered a statement during the General Debate of the ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development (FfD) Follow-up.
In the statement, Archbishop Caccia highlighted the opportunity for renewed global cooperation and action in light of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) next year. He noted that an issue of particular concern is the worsening debt crisis that many developing countries face. He emphasized that a shift in approach to debt is necessary to promote integral human development, social inclusion, and equity.
Finally, he recalled the words of Pope Francis, that “all nations be put in a position to meet the greatest needs of the moment through the reduction, if not the forgiveness, of the debt burdening the balance sheets of the poorest nations.”
Statement by Archbishop Caccia at the 30th Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action
On 29 April 2024, the following statement of Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, was uploaded to the UN website on the Commemoration of the thirtieth anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). Due to a shortage of time, a number of delegations were unable to deliver their statements in the General Assembly Hall.
In the statement, Archbishop Caccia emphasized that people are “at the center of concerns for sustainable development” and should not be considered as an obstacle to development. He promoted integral human development and the role of the family in pursuing the common good.
However, he noted with regret that the dialogue surrounding the ICPD Programme of Action has taken an increasingly narrow focus, viewing the population as a problem to be solved, most notably through the promotion of abortion. He rejected the use of population control as a means to achieve sustainable development and advocated for opportunities that allow all men, women and children “to actualize their full potential.”
Life of the Mission
Welcome, Benedetta!
This month, the Holy See Mission welcomed Ms. Benedetta Viviano as a staff member on the Peace and Security team (above). Ms. Viviano was a Toniolo Institute Fellow at the Mission from August 2022 until July 2023.
"I believe the Holy See plays a crucial role in promoting respect for inherent human dignity and human fraternity in a world that is increasingly torn apart by conflict and threatened by the use of emerging technologies in armaments. I hope to positively contribute as the new Peace and Security Attaché to the work of the Mission at the United Nations in these challenging times for the international community and serve the Holy Father using my expertise and skills." The Mission is excited to have Ms. Viviano back!
Happy Birthday
This month, Marcel Mattyus celebrated his birthday (above).
Ad multos annos!
Delegation Visits to the Mission
Wilkes University
(Above) On 1 April, 2024, 12 undergraduate students from the Wilkes University visited the Mission. The students were in New York City to participate in the National Model UN conference representing the Holy See delegation.
B’nai B’rith International - Family members of hostages in Gaza
(Above) On 8 April, 2024, the Mission received family members of hostages held in Gaza. They shared their family's experiences during these difficult times and detailed their personal humanitarian stories.
Fordham Gabelli School of Business
(Above) On 18 April, 2024, undergraduate and graduate students from the Fordham Gabelli School of Business visited the Mission. The students are from Fordham's Masters of Business Administration Program at Lincoln Center.
Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network Delegation
(Above) On 20 April, 2024, delegates representing the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM) visited the Mission. The delegation participated in the twenty-third session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
Job Opening in Geneva, Switzerland:
Attaché for Development and Human Rights Issues
Starting September 2024
The Attaché for Development and Human Rights Issues of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the U.N. Office in Geneva works together with the Permanent Observer and the diplomatic staff of the Holy See. The Attaché is expected to engage in issues related to trade and development, labour and intellectual property, and also in negotiations at the Human Rights Council.
The Attaché attends meetings, writes reports on those meetings, participates in negotiations on relevant resolutions and documents, drafts and edits statements, and participates in the overall mission of the Holy See in Geneva.
Under the supervision of the Permanent Observer, the Attaché reports to the First Secretary of the Mission.
Spring 2025 Internship Applications are Open
Since 2015, the Holy See Mission has had 162 interns from 37 countries.
The internship program provides the opportunity for bright, Catholic, English-speaking college graduates or graduate students to gain experience assisting the Holy See in its multilateral work at the UN, seeking to bring the light of Catholic Social Teaching to the debates of the international community.
Our interns are integral to the work of the Holy See at the United Nations. They attend various UN meetings, conferences, and debates, and then prepare reports that, once reviewed, are sent to the Holy See’s central offices in the Vatican. Our interns also assist with the Mission’s conferences, receptions, and cultural events.
There are three internship cycles each year: Fall, Spring, and Summer, and eight internship positions are available per cycle. The Mission is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2025 session, which will run from January through May 2025.