The only durable response to the dangers represented by nuclear weapons is their total elimination, Archbishop Christophe Z. El-Kassis, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, stated during the thematic debate on nuclear weapons at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, L’Osservatore Romano reported.
While risk-reduction measures remain necessary, they cannot serve as a substitute for actual disarmament. The persistence of nuclear arsenals endangers global stability during a period of profound international tension.
AI Integration Increases Systemic Nuclear Risks
Nations continue to modernize and expand their nuclear arsenals while nuclear rhetoric grows increasingly heated. Deterrence remains central to modern security doctrines, anchoring peace to the persistent threat of catastrophic destruction and leaving humanity in a state of permanent vulnerability.
The integration of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into nuclear command systems introduces further systemic risks. Effective, conscious, and responsible human control and judgment must remain paramount, as Archbishop El-Kassis noted by invoking the concept of Magnifica humanitas.
Holy See Urges Universal Nuclear Eradication
Deteriorating international security conditions do not justify a heightened reliance on atomic weapons. Instead, this volatile environment makes the campaign to eliminate these arsenals even more urgent.
The Holy See urged all states to fulfill their legal obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The Vatican reiterated its strong support for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, describing it as a tangible commitment toward total nuclear eradication that requires renewed efforts for universal implementation.
Diplomatic appeals also focused on bringing the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty into force while maintaining existing moratoriums on nuclear testing.
