Week in Review

Statements

This week the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations delivered one statement this week. For an archive of our statements, see here.

Post-conflict Peacebuilding: Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture

Security Council

On February 23, Msgr. Simon Kassas, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Holy See to the UN, gave an intervention during United Nations Security Council Open Debate on “Post-conflict Peacebuilding: Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture.”  

In his statement, Msgr. Kassas praised the positive results that the Peacebuilding Commission, the Peacebuilding Fund and the Peacebuilding Support Office of the United Nations have been able to accomplish in various countries and described factors on which such success depends. Citing Pope Francis’ September speech at the UN, he said that progress requires more than “solemn commitments” but an “effective, practical and constant” will that leads to “concrete steps and immediate measures.” He specifically highlighted the Addis Ababa Action Agenda’s call for sustainable development, and especially education, to foster the structures necessary for building peace.

Msgr. Kassas underlined the commitment and work of the Holy See in promoting peaceful, just and inclusive societies as well as the work that local Catholic Churches have done in the spheres of education, health care, pacification, reconstruction and reconciliation, all of which constitute part of the stable and secure environments essential for building peaceful coexistence.

The “very essence of the architecture of peacebuilding,” he said, was articulated by Pope Francis in his recent visit to Mexico when he spoke of the right and responsibility of all citizens to contribute to their own future, building on the firm foundation of adequate housing, dignified employment, food, justice, security and a healthy and peaceful environment.

Read the full statement here.