Archbishop Caccia at UN urges end to conventional weapons, autonomous arms, and landmines, citing their harm to peace, trust, and human dignity.
Newsroom (27/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) Addressing the First Committee of the 80th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See, called for the elimination of conventional weapons, warning that their unchecked proliferation “breeds mistrust, fuels violence, and undermines dialogue between States.”
Archbishop Caccia emphasized that the widespread misuse of conventional arms obstructs global peace and trust in international relations. He cited the staggering $2.7 trillion spent globally on military expenditures in 2024, arguing that such investments “contradict the pursuit of the common good.” Quoting Pope Leo, the archbishop lamented the betrayal of humanity’s yearning for peace through relentless armament buildups, diverting resources from humanitarian aid and development.
Abandonment of Mine Ban Treaty Raises Alarm
The Holy See expressed grave concern over the recent withdrawal of five European nations from the Ottawa Convention on Anti-Personnel Landmines, a 1999 treaty banning the use, stockpiling, and production of these weapons. The countries cited perceived threats from Russia as justification. Archbishop Caccia warned that landmines “inflict indiscriminate and enduring harm” on people, communities, and the environment, leaving a deadly legacy long after conflicts end. According to the United Nations Development Programme, landmines and explosive ordnance claim a life or limb every hour, violating principles of humanity and international law.
Decrying Autonomous Weapons
The archbishop also addressed the growing threat of lethal autonomous weapons, asserting that “decisions over life and death must not be surrendered to machines.” He endorsed the UN Secretary-General’s push for a legally binding agreement by 2026 to prohibit the development, deployment, and use of such weapons, urging all nations to halt their production and use immediately.
Explosive Weapons and Small Arms Fuel Devastation
Archbishop Caccia highlighted the catastrophic impact of explosive weapons, including cluster munitions, and the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW). These arms disproportionately harm vulnerable populations, with children often recruited into criminal or terrorist groups, “robbed of their innocence and education, and denied a future.” The archbishop noted that SALW perpetuate cycles of violence and poverty, eroding the fabric of society. The Holy See called for robust implementation of existing frameworks and expressed support for the Ninth Biennial Meeting of States on Small Arms and Light Weapons in June.
A Call for Peace Through Dialogue
In closing, Archbishop Caccia urged the international community to “abandon the illusion of security through arms” and prioritize peace built on dialogue, justice, and respect for human dignity. His remarks underscored the Holy See’s unwavering commitment to disarmament and a vision of global stability rooted in cooperation and compassion.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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