During a high-level United Nations conference in New York (28–30 July 2025), Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, reiterated the Vatican’s firm conviction that the two-state solution is “the only viable and equitable path toward a just and lasting peace” between Israel and Palestine, “based on secure and internationally recognized borders.”
In his address, Archbishop Caccia expressed deep concern over “the profound anguish and terrible human suffering that has befallen the region,” firmly condemning the Hamas-led terrorist attack of 7 October 2023 as “unequivocal.” He stressed that “terrorism can never be justified,” while also affirming that Israel’s right to self‑defense must remain within the “traditional limits of necessity and proportionality,” according to Catholic Culture.
The Archbishop detailed the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza—children killed, hospitals and homes destroyed—and lamented that Christians, historically a stabilizing and mediating presence in the region, now face grave hardship. He called urgently for “an immediate ceasefire, the release of all Israeli hostages, the restitution of the bodies of the deceased, the protection of all Palestinian civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance”.
Archbishop Caccia reaffirmed the Holy See’s longstanding support for Palestinian self-determination, noting that the Vatican recognized the State of Israel in 1993 via the Fundamental Agreement, and formally recognized the State of Palestine through the 2015 Comprehensive Agreement. He emphasized that the Holy See continues to support the Palestinian people’s legitimate aspirations “to live in freedom, security, and dignity within an independent and sovereign State”.
Turning to Jerusalem, the Archbishop underlined that the city’s universal and sacred character demands a special internationally guaranteed statute. As he stated, Jerusalem “is sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims alike. Therefore, it requires a status that transcends political divisions and ensures the preservation of its unique identity.” This special status, he insisted, must safeguard equal legal status for institutions and communities of all faiths, protect sacred sites, guarantee access to worship, preserve the status quo, and prevent harassment of worshippers or locals.
For a Catholic readership, these remarks reflect both moral urgency and diplomatic continuity. The Holy See’s position is rooted in Catholic teaching on human dignity and peace, seeking a path grounded in law, compassion, and reconciliation. Through participation in UN forums and formal recognition of both Israel and Palestine, the Vatican seeks not only to witness but to build toward justice.
The Archbishop’s call is not abstract: it is a summons to the global Catholic community and the broader international order to uphold humanitarian law, protect the innocent, and work tirelessly for peace. By anchoring its approach in reasoned diplomacy and moral conviction, the Holy See aims to foster conditions in which Palestinians and Israelis may live as neighbors in freedom, security, and mutual respect.
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