Archbishop Gallagher Issued Statement at the Fourth High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being

By H.E. Archbishop Paul Richard GallagherSecretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See

New York, 25 September 2025

Mr. President,

This High-Level Meeting provides a valuable opportunity to renew and strengthen the commitment to tackling non-communicable diseases and mental health issues. It calls for renewed political will and broader engagement in prevention efforts and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

Non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions remain the primary causes of death and disability worldwide, particularly in low- and middle income countries. Therefore, ensuring health and wellbeing for all is deeply intertwined with eradicating poverty and achieving integral development, and requires a holistic approach focused on prevention as well as timely treatment and care.

Health is also a fundamental human right, and everyone has the right to enjoy the highest possible standard of physical and mental health. Achieving this requires ensuring universal health coverage, particularly through primary healthcare.

The international community, and each State have the duty to care for those who are most in need, and “no one is exempted from striving to ensure respect for the dignity of every person, especially the most frail and vulnerable, from the unborn to the elderly”[1].

In this regard, the Holy See is deeply concerned about the high number of attempted suicides around the world each year. Tragically, suicide is a leading cause of death among young people, whose bright futures can be overshadowed by despair. Society has the vital duty to affirm the sacredness of life and the God-given dignity of those temporarily unable to recognize it themselves. It must also provide them with mental healthcare and psychosocial support. The Holy See stresses that assisting suicide in any way violates medical ethics and human dignity because the dignity of each person, no matter how weak or burdened by suffering, is the dignity of us all.[2]

For its part, the Catholic Church, will continue to provide healthcare and promote wellbeing through its health institutions, especially for those who are poor, weak or in need.

I thank you.

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[1] Pope Leo XIV, Audience to the members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, 16 May 2025.

[2] Cf. Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith, Declaration Dignitas infinita on human dignity, 25 March 2024, 52.