At a 3 day UN Conference to establish peace between Israel and Palestine, the Holy See Permanent Observer argued that lasting peace can be found only in the two-state solution.
Newsroom (31/07/2025, Gaudium Press ) From 28 to 30 July, United Nations member states convened at UN headquarters in New York for a High-level International Conference focused on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. The gathering underscored the urgent need to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and renew commitment to a viable path toward peace.
Holy See Condemns Terrorism, Urges Restraint
Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, delivered a powerful statement condemning the 7 October 2023 terrorist attack by Hamas. “Terrorism can never be justified,” he declared, while emphasizing that self-defense must adhere to “traditional limits of necessity and proportionality.”
Caccia expressed grave concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, where ongoing violence has claimed numerous lives, including scores of children, and destroyed homes, hospitals, and places of worship. He noted that Christians in the region, long a stabilizing force, have been particularly affected, undermining efforts to foster dialogue and peace.
Urgent Call for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid
Highlighting the displacement of families, collapse of critical services, and rising hunger, the Holy See called for immediate action: an end to hostilities, the release of all Israeli hostages, the return of deceased individuals’ remains, and the protection of Palestinian civilians under international humanitarian law. Caccia stressed the need for unhindered access to humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering in Gaza.
The Holy See reiterated its unwavering support for the Two-State Solution, advocating for secure, internationally recognized borders as the only equitable path to lasting peace. This commitment is reflected in its diplomatic actions, including the 1993 Fundamental Agreement recognizing Israel and the 2015 Comprehensive Agreement recognizing Palestine. The Holy See continues to champion the Palestinian people’s right to live in freedom, security, and dignity within a sovereign state.
Jerusalem’s Unique Status
Archbishop Caccia underscored Jerusalem’s sacred significance to Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, calling for a special internationally recognized status to preserve its unique identity. This status would ensure equality before the law for religious institutions and communities, protect the city’s sacred character, and safeguard its cultural heritage. It would also guarantee unrestricted access to holy sites, freedom of worship, and protection of the “Status Quo” where applicable, while preventing harassment of residents and visitors.
A Plea for Peace
In closing, Caccia invoked Pope Leo’s recent Angelus address on 20 July, which called for an end to the “barbarity of war” and urged the international community to uphold humanitarian law. The Pope’s appeal emphasized protecting civilians, prohibiting collective punishment, and preventing forced displacement and indiscriminate use of force.
As the conference concluded, the Holy See’s message resonated as a clarion call for renewed global efforts to achieve a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, rooted in dialogue, dignity, and mutual respect.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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