Statements
This week, the Holy See Mission delivered 3 statements.
Protection of Critical Infrastructure Against Terrorist Attacks
Security Council
On February 13, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the UN gave an intervention during the Security Council Open Debate dedicated to “Protection of Critical Infrastructure against Terrorist Attacks.”
In its statement, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer, said that the terrorist attacks on civilian infrastructure and populations must be counteracted by the actions of a unified International Community. In accordance with the UN Charter, the international community has the responsibility to protect civilians and their critical infrastructure, like schools, hospitals, water supplies and places of worship, from terrorists who destroy them as a tactic to attack their livelihood and sense of community. Archbishop Auza reiterated the Holy See's appeal to weapon-producing nations severely to limit and control the manufacture and sale of weapons that carry out this damage, since when they fall into the hands of terrorists, they can be used to carry out this destruction. Archbishop Auza summoned States to address the role of organized crime in getting weapons to terrorists as well as to shut off the access to financial sponsorship. He likewise urged States to share critical information, best practices, resources and technologies.
The statement can be found here.
Themes for Partnership Dialogues at the Preparatory Meeting on the Ocean Conference
On February 15, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the UN gave an intervention during the Preparatory Meeting for the United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Conserve and sustaintably use the oceans, seas and marine resources). The Preparatory Meeting was dedicated to “Themes for Partnership Dialogues.”
In its statement, the Holy See recalled Pope Francis’ words in the encyclical Laudato Si’ about the core principles necessary to confront effectively various aspects of the present ecological crisis. Among the principles are respect for creation, the common good, the dignity of every human being and justice to each and all. At a practical level, among the partnership dialogues necessary to protect our common home, the Holy See mentioned the importance of those with institutions of a religious or ethical character, meaning faith-based communities and other civic organizations, in order to address the human and ethical degradation that normally accompanies environmental degradation. No valid partner should be excluded from dialogue about our common home.
The statement can be found here.
Elements of a Call to Action at the Preparatory Meeting on the Ocean Conference
On February 15, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the UN gave an intervention during the Preparatory Meeting for the United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Conserve and sustaintably use the oceans, seas and marine resources). The Preparatory Meeting was dedicated to a discussion on “Elements of a Call to Action.”
In its statement, the Holy See said that in response to the current ecological crisis, “new direction and bold action” are required. The Catholic Church, it said, preceding and following Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for our common home, Laudato Si’, has initiated dialogues all over the world on the need for new initiatives to protect our planet and bring about an integral ecology. The Holy See proposed six elements for a Call To Action: the moral need for each person to get involved; special priority for the poor and those most affected by environmental degradation; intergenerational solidarity; a more unified system of government of the oceans; marine spatial planning frameworks; and a balance between the protection of biodiversity and the environment with food security and marine employment.
The statement can be found here.
These are the events for which we are presently taking sign-ups. Due to heightened UN security, please be sure to register by the deadline, providing the name that exactly corresponds to your state-issued ID. More information regarding each event will be provided shortly. Please contact event@holyseemission.org with any questions.
RSVP by February 26 at holyseemission.org/rsvpMarch2
March 22: Economically Empowering Trafficking Victims to Stay Permanently Off the Streets
3 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
UN Headquarters, Conference Room 11
RSVP by March 17 at holyseemission.org/rsvpMarch22/Trafficking
March 23: Fertility Awareness and Women's Economic Empowerment
10 a.m. - 11:15
UN Headquarters, Conference Room 11
RSVP by March 17 at holyseemission.org/rsvpMarch23/FertilityAwareness
March 23: The Distinctiveness of Woman's Work and Her Empowerment
3 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
UN Headquarters, Conference Room 11
RSVP by March 17 at holyseemission.org/rsvpMarch23/WomenWork
March 28: The Perspective of the Holy See on the UN Conference to Negotiate a Legally Binding Instrument to Prohibit Nuclear Weapons, leading toward their total Elimination
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
UN Headquarters, Conference Room 12
RSVP by March 22 at holyseemission.org/rsvpMarch28
May 10: An Evening with Raphael: Raphael's Art and Human Dignity
6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
UN Headquarters, Conference Room 4
RSVP by May 4 at holyseemission.org/rsvpMay10
May 12: The Centenary of Fatima and the Enduring Relevance of Its Message of Peace
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
UN Headquarters, Conference Room 2
RSVP by May 8 at holyseemission.org/rsvpMay1
There is another event that the Mission has been asked to advertise in which Archbishop Auza will introduce Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, for a conversation on the fourth anniversary of Pope Francis’ election. Please find the poster with the RSVP information below.
