Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, reiterated the Catholic Church’s firm support for Ukraine during his address to the United Nations (UN) Security Council in New York on September 20.
In a speech delivered on Wednesday, Monsignor Gallagher addressed the situation in Ukraine and expressed the Holy See’s solidarity with the country, which has been fighting for its sovereignty since the Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022.
“The Holy See, for its part, stands with Ukraine and fully supports its territorial integrity, while continuing to engage in humanitarian initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Ukrainian population, especially the weakest and most vulnerable,” said Monsignor Gallagher. At the same time, he urged “all relevant States and International Organizations to become creative and courageous artisans of constructive dialogue.”
The Holy See’s high representative at the UN emphasized that the war in Ukraine is a “cruel” and “senseless” conflict that is severely affecting the civilian population, particularly children, youth, and the elderly who “pay the highest price.”
Monsignor Gallagher also highlighted that the war is a “monstrous evil” that extends beyond Ukraine’s borders and is affecting multiple aspects of the global order that emerged after World War II. “Its negative consequences are already evident in humanitarian, demographic, food, socio-political, legal, economic, ecological, military, nuclear, energy, health, education, religious, migratory, and other areas, which are fundamental elements of the architecture of global security,” said the Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See.
“Aggression can only generate new aggression. If this war is not stopped, and if peace is not sought at every opportunity, the entire world risks sinking into even deeper crises,” Monsignor Gallagher added before the UN Security Council.
The Archbishop called on the international community to seek a solution to the war in Ukraine, emphasizing that it is “not just a matter for Ukraine itself.” “In the face of the tragedy unfolding before our eyes,” the Archbishop continued, “it is time to ask ourselves some of Pope Francis’ questions: ‘What am I doing today for the Ukrainian people? Am I doing anything?'”
Monsignor Gallagher explained that, to have a peaceful and secure future, all UN member states, and especially those on the Security Council, are called to join efforts in seeking a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, as an important element of the global peace the world yearns for. “It is better and more cost-effective to invest in peace than in war!” he emphasized.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of peace not only at the international and institutional levels but also in the hearts and homes of individuals. Monsignor Gallagher’s speech concluded with a call to all UN member states and relevant International Organizations to become brave builders of dialogue, underlining that peace is a reality known to all and that it is time to engage in its pursuit.
“To all of you, and especially to the afflicted Ukraine, I express my sincere wish that the desired peace can return to bring joy to the entire world.”
