New York, 23 March 2026

Madam President,

The Delegation of the Holy See welcomes the convening of this meeting on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and takes the opportunity to reiterates its full and firm condemnation of racism and racial discrimination in all their forms.

The General Assembly proclaimed this commemoration on 26 October 1966, with the conviction that racial discrimination constitutes an offence against human dignity, a denial of human rights and fundamental freedoms and grave injustice. Six decades later, the endurance of racism derives its strength from the absence of acknowledgement that the inherent dignity of each individual is not contingent upon utility or circumstance.

In contemporary society, instances of racism persist in various forms and levels. At first glance, racism appears to persist in manifesting itself as discrimination founded on erroneous assumptions of racial superiority. However, at a more profound level, this pervasive scourge is operating through more subtle and complex mechanisms that often evade immediate recognition.

Madam President,

A concrete example of this evolving dynamic can be found in the digital sphere. A “major challenge posed by these emerging systems is that of bias, which leads to acquiring and transmitting an altered perception of reality. AI models are shaped by the worldview of those who build them and can, in turn, impose these ways of thinking by reproducing stereotypes and prejudices present in the data they draw on.”[1] This calls for enhanced educational efforts, especially in the field of digital literacy, to be made so that awareness can be promoted of how algorithms can influence perceptions and impact human dignity.

In light of these challenges, mobilizing political will alone is insufficient, if it is not accompanied by a genuine commitment to recognizing the equal dignity and rights of every person. As Pope Leo XIV stated, “human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, who, by calling them into existence out of love, has at the same time called them to love.”[2]

Translating this conviction into policies and practices can weaken the roots of racism and reinforce the bonds of our global family.

I thank you.

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[1] Pope Leo XIV, Message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications, 24 January 2026.

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