Vatican at UN Statement on Outer Space

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Source: Holy See at UN

On 21 October 2026, in New York, His Excellency Archbishop Christophe Z El Kassis, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, delivered a statement at the Thematic Discussion on Outer Space in the First Committee of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Archbishop El Kassis expressed concern over the growing militarisation of outer space and the development of counter-space capabilities, warning that these developments increase the risk of escalation, weaponisation and an arms race.

In particular, he stressed that the existing international legal framework does not comprehensively prohibit all types of weapons in outer space, while the destruction of satellites and other space systems could have serious consequences for essential civilian services.

In this regard, he reaffirmed the importance of the principles enshrined in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and called for renewed efforts to prevent an arms race in outer space, including through effective, legally binding measures and transparency and confidence-building measures. He further emphasised that outer space must remain a domain of peaceful cooperation and shared responsibility, preserved for the benefit of all humanity and future generations.

The text of the statement follows.


Statement by HE Archbishop Christophe Z. El Kassis,
Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations
at the Thematic Discussion on Outer Space
in the First Committee of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly

New York, 21 October 2026

Mr. Chair,

Human activity in outer space continues to expand at a remarkable pace. Space-based technologies have become integral to communication, navigation, scientific research, and many other aspects of modern life, while offering significant opportunities for cooperation and integral human development. Given this growing reliance on outer space, its preservation for peaceful purposes is a collective responsibility.

Outer space has also become increasingly important in economic, military and security terms. However, its militarisation poses serious risks that could jeopardise the peaceful use of space, as well as the continuity of essential civilian services. Furthermore, the competition for strategic advantage and the development of counter-space capabilities increase the risk of escalation, weaponisation and an arms race.

In this regard, my Delegation remains deeply concerned that the international community has not yet reached a formal consensus on banning all types of weapons related to outer space. While the existing legal framework prohibits the placement in orbit of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, it does not comprehensively prohibit other types of weapons in outer space. This gap is becoming increasingly concerning as new capabilities are being developed that could disrupt, disable or destroy satellites and other space systems.

Such developments could have consequences that extend far beyond the space domain. The destruction of satellites could generate long-lasting debris that would endanger space activities and jeopardise the services upon which societies are increasingly dependent. Furthermore, the prospect of warfare extending into outer space also raises serious questions regarding self-defence and the application of international humanitarian law.

Mr. Chair,

Nearly sixty years after the adoption of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, its foundational principles remain as essential as ever. Outer space must be explored and used for the benefit and in the interests of all countries, regardless of their level of economic or scientific development. It should be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and for the promotion of the common good, rather than for the exclusive benefits of individual States or private actors, which would only lead to further strategic competition and conflict.

Preserving these principles requires renewed efforts to prevent an arms race in outer space. The Holy See therefore continues to support progress towards effective, legally binding measures in this regard, as well as transparency and confidence-building measures to reduce mistrust and the risk of miscalculation.

Scientific and technological progress in outer space should foster cooperation among nations rather than create new grounds for confrontation. At a time when conflicts and mistrust are already putting severe strain on the international order, humanity cannot afford to extend an arms race beyond the Earth. Outer space must remain a domain of peaceful cooperation and shared responsibility, preserved for the benefit of all humanity and for present and future generations.

Thank you, Mr Chair.