POPE Leo XIV on Monday encouraged the international community to reaffirm its commitment to international and humanitarian law, emphasising their vital role in promoting justice, peace, and human dignity.
The Pope expressed confidence in the strength of international law, urging nations to resist the temptation of unilateral power and instead uphold fairness, cooperation, and accountability in the global system.
Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, delivered the Holy See’s message to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Gallagher recalled Pope Leo XIV’s first words after his election: “Peace be with you all.”
He reaffirmed peace as the guiding principle of the Pope’s mission and international engagement.
Gallagher described peace as “unarmed, disarming, humble, and persevering.”
He called on world leaders to embrace peace as a moral responsibility and a path to lasting human dignity and progress.
The Holy See called on states to strengthen adherence to the Geneva Conventions, promote education on international humanitarian law, and ensure that violators were held accountable through lawful means.
Gallagher acknowledged the heroic efforts of humanitarian workers globally and urged greater support, safety, and access for those providing aid in difficult and high-risk environments.
He emphasised that international humanitarian law remained a critical pillar of peace, preserving human dignity during conflicts and protecting civilians, medical facilities, and cultural institutions from harm.
Gallagher stressed that even in conflict, actions must remain within legal and moral boundaries.
He called for an end to practices such as using hunger as a weapon of war.
He reaffirmed that military personnel were bound by law and ethics, and must be held accountable for any violations, regardless of orders from superiors or pressures in the field.
Gallagher hailed those in uniform who upheld principles of justice, truth, and human rights, noting that many had given their lives to protect the innocent and preserve peace.
The Holy See also emphasised the importance of religious freedom as a cornerstone of peaceful societies, urging nations to protect all faith communities, especially those facing persecution.
Gallagher highlighted the challenges faced by more than 360 million Christians worldwide who suffer from persecution, and called for international solidarity and increased protection of vulnerable communities.
He stated that religious freedom included the right to worship, teach, and live one’s faith publicly and privately, either alone or in community, without fear or restrictions.
Gallagher linked religious freedom to broader rights, including conscience, thought, expression, and association.
He said no one should be forced to act against their beliefs or prevented from living them.
He stressed that every individual had the right and responsibility to seek truth and live accordingly, free from coercion, as part of their inherent human dignity and moral development.
Religious freedom, Gallagher said, goes hand in hand with interfaith dialogue.
“Governments must protect freedoms, while religious communities must build bridges of understanding and peace.”
Gallagher noted that the Holy See remained a committed voice for dialogue and peace, and was celebrating 60 years of Nostra Aetate, a milestone in Catholic–non-Christian relations. (NAN)
