Statement of the Holy See
General Assembly – The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine [item 59]
88th Plenary Meeting
 

New York, 18 July 2023

Madam President,  

The Holy See continues to be gravely concerned about the blood shedding war in Ukraine and reiterates its plea that weapons be silenced, urging “all the protagonists of international life and the political leaders of nations to do everything possible to bring an end to the war.”[1]

A few days ago, Pope Francis observed how the current war in Ukraine, like all wars, is an utter disaster: “for peoples and families, for children and the elderly, for people forced to leave their country, for cities and villages, and for creation, as we have seen following the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam.”[2]

The Holy See, while thanking those States that have hosted and supported refugees, implores that the displaced continue to receive humanitarian support until they can make a safe, voluntary and dignified return to their homes. 

On the other hand, the Holy See urges that no effort is be spared in providing for the swift reunification of all families separated by the present violence in Ukraine, ensuring that the best interests of affected children are respected.

In the face of such suffering, the international community “must not grow resigned to war but work together for peace.”[3] In this regard, Pope Francis has entrusted Cardinal Matteo Zuppi with the responsibility of leading missions aimed at listening and identifying humanitarian gestures that could guide towards the path of peace. The Holy See calls upon all parties to support such humanitarian efforts in order to alleviate some of the immense suffering caused by this abhorrent war.

Moreover, there is an urgent need, as Pope Francis says, to “use all diplomatic means, even those that may not have been used so far, to bring an end to this terrible tragedy. War in itself is an error and a horror!”[4] The Holy See once again calls for a ceasefire, and to start negotiations towards a just and lasting peace.

Thank you, Madam President.

[1] Pope Francis, Angelus, 2 October 2022.

[2] Pope Francis, Address to the Delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, 30 June 2023.

[3] Idem.

[4] Pope Francis, Angelus, 2 October 2022.