New York, 11 June 2026

Mr. President,

The Holy See Delegation would like to thank Colombia for convening this important open debate.

The Middle East is a region rich in history, culture and faith. Its peoples have contributed immeasurably to human civilization. This region encompasses the Holy Land, with Jerusalem at its heart, a land sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims alike, with a spiritual significance that extends far beyond the region itself.

Yet today, the region continues to be marked by violence, fear and human suffering. Peace must always be built through dialogue, trust and respect for the God-given dignity of every human person. As Pope Leo XIV insists “Peace is not the absence of conflict: it is the gentle strength that rejects violence.”[1]

In this regard, the Delegation of the Holy See wishes to offer three reflections:

First, there is no military solution to the crises in the Middle East. As Pope Leo XIV recently recalled: “Weapons may impose a temporary silence; but they can never build a genuine and lasting peace.”[2] The continuing suffering of civilians, the destruction of homes and places of worship, and damage to essential infrastructure, as well as the grave humanitarian situation, make this painfully evident. These conditions demand renewed efforts toward an immediate cessation of violence and a credible political horizon capable of addressing the legitimate aspirations of all peoples involved. All States, especially those with influence in the region, bear a grave responsibility to support de-escalation and peaceful resolution.

Second, preventive diplomacy and mediation require patience, political courage and a willingness to engage. The cost of dialogue may appear high; the cost of its absence is invariably higher. Indeed, mediation is not merely a matter of managing crises, but rather the patient work of rebuilding relationships and restoring confidence.

Third, every political solution must place the human person at its centre. Political agreements cannot endure unless they address the legitimate hopes and needs of peoples. Peace is sustained not only by institutions alone, but also by communities capable of trust, solidarity, and hope. Therefore, supporting UN agencies and institutions that provide education, healthcare and relief to displaced persons and refugee communities is indispensable.

Mr. President,

It is vital to resolve all ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. In this regard, the Holy See urges an immediate end to the ongoing military escalation in Lebanon, and calls for concerted efforts, patience and diligence in pursuing a comprehensive and lasting peace, including addressing the situation concerning Iran. Furthermore, it is imperative that any aggression stops, that the dramatic humanitarian situation in Gaza is addressed and that a path towards a two-State solution is paved.

The peoples of the Middle East deserve better than to be stuck in a cycle of recurring crises. They deserve a future based upon justice, security, reconciliation and hope.

Thank you.

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[1] Pope Leo XIV, Apostolic Letter Drawing New Maps of Hope, on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Conciliar Declaration Gravissimum educationis, para. 7.3, 27 October 2025.

[2] Pope Leo XIV, Meeting with Members of the Spanish Parliament, Madrid, 8 June 2026.