October 14, 2015


On October 14, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, gave an intervention before the Sixth Committee of the 70th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations on Agenda item 108: “Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism.”

In his statement, Archbishop Auza said that the Holy See supports the “crucial role” of the United Nations in preventing and combating international terrorism through negotiating the adoption of multilateral policies and strategies to combat it.

He reiterated Pope Francis’ words Sept. 25 at the UN regarding the sufferings of Christians and those of other cultural and ethnic groups, saying that they serve as a “summons to an examination of conscience on the part of those charged with the conduct of international affairs.”

The fight against terrorism cannot be won, Archbishop Auza declared, by “sophisticated weapons alone.” It must also involve upholding the rule of law, strict adherence to the UN Charter and international law, respect for fundamental human rights, and address the underlying contributing causes of terrorist extremism through education, mutual respect, good governance, job opportunities, preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and ensuring that religious communities and leaders do not manipulate religion as a pretext for violence.

His statement can be read in full here.