The Vatican’s Call for Global Disarmament
It is no secret that the world is facing a crisis when it comes to nuclear weapons. The Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, recently addressed the High-Level Segment of the UN’s 2025 Session of the Conference on Disarmament, expressing the Holy See’s “deep concern” over the existential threat posed by these weapons of mass destruction.
Archbishop Gallagher highlighted the dangerous consequences of immense military expenditures that fuel an exhausting arms race, diverting resources away from vital areas such as poverty eradication, justice, education, and healthcare. He emphasized the urgent need for global cooperation to achieve general, balanced, and complete disarmament under effective international control.
He pointed out that the Conference on Disarmament has been stuck in a stalemate without a proper negotiating mandate, hindering progress in multilateral disarmament efforts. Archbishop Gallagher stressed that all nations have a duty and a right to participate in these negotiations, as the success of disarmament is crucial for the well-being of all peoples.
The Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States also echoed Pope Francis’ call to reduce military expenditures on weapons and allocate resources towards eradicating hunger, promoting education, and combating climate change. He urged the conference to embrace a renewed sense of urgency and commitment to reach concrete agreements for the common good before it’s too late.
Furthermore, Archbishop Gallagher expressed serious concerns about the expansion and modernization of nuclear arsenals, as well as the weaponization of Artificial Intelligence. He emphasized the need for nuclear weapons states to engage in negotiations to reduce and eliminate their stockpiles, in accordance with international obligations.
In conclusion, the Vatican’s message is clear: the world must prioritize peace and international stability over the dangerous pursuit of nuclear weapons. It is time for nations to come together, overcome confrontation, and embrace encounter for a safer and more peaceful future.
