New York, 19 January 2026

Mr. Chair,

In 1953, while reflecting on the widespread atrocities perpetrated against civilians during the Second World War, Pope Pius XII called for the adoption “of international agreements, which could secure effective protection, and which would indicate clearly the crimes to be proscribed, and would fix their characteristics with juridic precision.”[1] Although more than seventy years have passed since then, Pope Pius’ call still remains fully valid.

Indeed, while this Assembly is discussing how best to address those crimes, violations of the sanctity of human life persist and, in many contexts, appear to be increasing. The continued absence of effective collective responses is not without consequence: children, women, and members of ethnic and religious minorities continue to suffer persecution, violence, and death, in ways that profoundly wound human dignity and the moral conscience of humanity.

In this light, the Holy See welcomes the formal commencement of the work of this Preparatory Committee and appreciates the opportunity it offers to engage, in a structured and thoughtful manner, with one of the most serious challenges confronting humanity.

Mr. Chair,

It is well established that crimes against humanity are prohibited under customary international law. Therefore, the central challenge before us is not the recognition of these crimes, but the development of effective measures to prevent their commission and to ensure accountability when they occur. At the same time, any future international framework should build firmly upon existing customary international law, in order to preserve legal coherence, foster trust among States, and facilitate the broadest possible consensus. As Pope Leo XIV has observed, “in order to engage in dialogue, there needs to be agreement on the words and concepts that are used. Rediscovering the meaning of words is perhaps one of the primary challenges of our time.”[2]

Mr. Chair,

The duty to prevent and counter crimes against humanity rests first and foremost with States. National jurisdictions remain thus the primary locus for investigation and prosecution. At the same time, international cooperation plays an indispensable complementary role, both in addressing the transnational dimensions of such crimes and in supporting those States that lack the capacity to fulfill their obligations effectively. Such cooperation should strengthen, rather than weaken, the principles of complementarity, due process, and full respect for fundamental human rights.

Central to these efforts is also the situation of victims. Their suffering calls for justice, protection, and assistance, as well as for legal approaches that ensure their voices are heard and their dignity upheld. Any future framework should therefore include appropriate safeguards for victims and witnesses, while ensuring fair procedures and full respect for fundamental human rights.

Mr. Chair,

As the Preparatory Committee begins its work, the Holy See looks forward to an open and constructive dialogue, attentive to the legitimate concerns of all delegations, with the view to developing an effective and lasting response to crimes against humanity.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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[1] Pope Pius XII, Address to the participants in the VI Congress on International Criminal Law, 3 October 1953.

[2] Pope Leo XIV, Address to the Members of the Diplomatic Corps Accredited to the Holy See, 9 January 2026.