New York, 27 October 2025

Mr. Chair,

The vastness of outer space is a realm of immense opportunity, but also one of great responsibility. It calls into focus “the mystery of Creation, its greatness, and its fragility,”[1] and reminds us that its stewardship is inseparable from the duty to the common good of all humankind.

Outer space offers humanity unprecedented opportunities for cooperation and scientific discovery. Concurrently, however, there are the disturbing trends that threaten its peaceful use. It is regrettable that, despite the fact that outer space has been an agenda item of the Conference on Disarmament since 1985, the international community has not yet achieved a consensus on an agreement to ban all types of weapons in outer space. The ongoing threat posed by space-based weaponry, including anti-satellite systems, and the accumulation of debris in low Earth orbit represent a genuine and grave threat to international peace, security, and the long-term sustainability of space-related activities.


Mr. Chair,

The Holy See emphasizes that outer space must be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all humanity. The Outer Space Treaty enshrines this vision, reminding us that space is a common good to be protected for the benefit of present and future generations, rather than being exploited for the exclusive interests of private entities or nations. This must not lead to a repetition of past conflicts, or become a theater for competition that endangers all. States have a shared responsibility to cooperate, embrace multilateralism, and advance the common good in their activities in space.


Mr. Chair,

It is important that the extraordinary possibilities of outer space be employed to strengthen solidarity, protect Creation, and foster peace for the benefit of all humankind, rather than extending earthly rivalries into the cosmos. In this manner the objective is to ensure that outer space remains a domain of hope, progress, and shared responsibility for generations to come.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. 

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[1] Pope Leo XIV, Phone call with Astronaut Buzz Aldrin on the 56th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing, 20 July 2025.