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Statement of the Holy See at the Third Committee of the 81st session of the General Assembly - Agenda Item 68 a) “Elimination of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance”, and b) “Comprehensive Implementation of and Follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action”
By H. E. Archbishop Christophe Z. EL KASSISApostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations

 

New York, 8 October 2026
 

Mr. Chair,

At the heart of the Church’s teaching lies the conviction that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God and therefore possesses equal and inviolable dignity. Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance constitute a direct affront to that dignity and to the unity of the human family. In this regard, Pope Leo XIV urges that equality must be upheld “without distinction based on race, colour, class or profession.”[1]

The dignity of the human person, bestowed by God, is fundamental to the construction of a true international community in which the universal common good can be achieved. Materialist and nationalist ideologies that contradict these values prevent the unity of the human family from becoming a lived reality. Sadly, in contemporary society, the evil of racism persists in various forms and at different levels despite apparent progress. As noted by the Secretary-General in his 2025 report, “the pace and scope of change remain uneven and insufficient.”[2]

On the one hand, racism continues to exist as discrimination based on the wrongful belief that one person, reduced to a mere characteristic, is superior to another.

Mr. Chair,

In this regard, my Delegation wishes to draw particular attention to some areas of concern:

First, migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers continue to face racism, xenophobia and the stigma of discrimination. As Pope Leo XIV affirms that those who seek safety and a better life “cannot and must not find the coldness of indifference or the stigma of discrimination.”[3]

Second, new forms of exclusion and prejudice have emerged in the digital sphere. Online platforms can amplify hatred and polarisation. In the digital age, social justice requires that data and technology are used to promote the dignity of the person and the common good.

Third, religious intolerance – whether it is antisemitism, Christianophobia, Islamophobia, or other forms of hostility based on anti-religious bias — must be firmly rejected.

Against this backdrop, there is a need to strengthen efforts to cultivate and promote respect for the inalienable dignity of every human person and to foster a culture of encounter and openness to others, in mutual respect.

I thank you, Mr. Chair.

_______________________________________________

[1] Pope Leo XIV, Address at the “Robert Schuman” Conference Centre in Metz, 28 September 2026.

[2] A/80/324, p. 18.

[3] Pope Leo XIV, Homily at the Jubilee of Migrants, 5 October 2026.