Holy See at UN: Statement on Ukraine

Mgr Robert D Murphy

On 3 December 2025, at United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See delivered a statement during the reconvened 11th Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly. Reiterating its urgent appeal for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine, the Holy See highlighted the devastating impact of the prolonged conflict on children, families, and civilian infrastructure.

Highlighting the ongoing humanitarian efforts, including those undertaken by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, to secure the return of children to their families and the release of prisoners of war, the Holy See urged all nations to support initiatives that foster genuine negotiations and lasting peace.

The statement was delivered by Mgr Robert D Murphy, Chargé d'Affaires, of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations.

The text of the statement follows.

Statement by the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations during the General Assembly Eleventh Emergency Special Session

3 December 2025

Madam President,

My Delegation welcomes the reconvening of the Eleventh Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly. The Holy See wishes to emphasize once again that "Nothing is lost with peace. Everything can be lost with war."[1]

The protracted war in Ukraine with its profound and painful consequences, has resulted in the devastation of once-vibrant cities and the disruption of the lives of children, who should be growing up in a peaceful environment, not one afflicted by conflicts.

The Holy See renews its call for the end of this war, not at some undefined moment in the future, but right now. With each passing day, the number of victims increases, the destruction widens and the hatred deepens. Every day without peace steals something from all of humanity.

The ramifications of the war are profoundly deleterious, particularly from a humanitarian standpoint, especially for the most fragile members of society. In this regard the Holy See, also through the efforts of the Special envoy of the Holy Father for humanitarian issues in Ukraine, His Eminence Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, will continue its efforts for the return of the children to their families, and the release of prisoners of war. It encourages both sides of the conflict and the international community to continue working for the return of children to their families, which is an issue of justice and must not be overshadowed by political considerations.

As Pope Leo says, war causes "casualties and injuries - children among them - and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, leaving families homeless as the cold weather sets in. […] We must not become accustomed to war and destruction!"[2]

For this reason, the Holy See renews its appeal for an immediate ceasefire, which will pave the way for sincere and courageous dialogue.

Madam President,

The Holy See calls upon all nations gathered here to reject passivity and provide tangible support for any initiative that could lead to genuine negotiations and lasting peace.

Thank you, Madam President.


[1] Pope Pius XII, Radio message, 24 August 1939.
[2] Pope Leo XIV, Angelus, 16 November 2025.