Archbishop Gallagher at the UN: The war in Ukraine must end now
This was reported by Vatican News.
"This war must end now. 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," said Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher during the general debate at the UN General Assembly on Monday, September 29, 2025, in the context of the organization's 80th anniversary.
In the section of the report that addresses specific global situations, the head of Vatican diplomacy highlighted the war in Ukraine, describing it as one of the most "profound and painful crises" currently confronting the international community.
"Its prolonged existence is turning once-vibrant cities into piles of rubble and extinguishing the smiles of children who should be growing up playing games instead of living amid the constant sound of sirens and in shelters," he said, noting that this is why the Holy See reiterates Pope Leo XIV's call for “an immediate ceasefire” that will pave the way for sincere and courageous dialogue, for it is “only through this that clamour of weapons can be silenced and the voices of justice and peace allowed to be heard.”
The head of the Vatican delegation stated that the Holy See urges all nations represented in the meeting to "reject passivity and provide tangible support for any initiative that could lead to genuine negotiations and lasting peace." As stated by Archbishop Gallagher, "The time has come to stand up for peace and reject the logic of dominance and destruction."
