“Mr. President,

“The Holy See welcomes this annual opportunity to reflect on the imperative of the total elimination of nuclear weapons and reaffirms its condemnation of the use or threat of use of such weapons.

“The current state of global affairs is a cause for grave concern: the alarming increase in the risk of nuclear conflict; the relentless arms race; a series of disturbing threats. These raise tensions and increase the risk of both deliberate and accidental deployment of nuclear weapons, threatening humanity and our common home with irreversible destruction. In this regard, the only way to avoid a nuclear war is the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

“It is regrettable that states are strengthening their nuclear arsenals with resources that could be more effectively used to address pressing development needs. This trend underscores a troubling reliance by nuclear-weapons States on nuclear deterrence, rather than on fulfilling their obligation under Article VI of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

“Pope Francis stresses that ‘a world free from nuclear weapons is both necessary and possible. In a system of collective security, there is no place for nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. [… There is a] need to go beyond nuclear deterrence: the international community is called upon to adopt forward-looking strategies to promote the goal of peace and stability and to avoid short-sighted approaches.’  Thus, the Holy See calls upon all States to accede to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).

“Furthermore, the Holy See encourages States to renew their commitment to other disarmament measures, such as the revitalization of bilateral arms control processes, the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), and the opening of negotiations on fissile material and negative security assurance treaties. 

“Mr. President,

“In conclusion, the Holy See reaffirms that the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons can only be achieved through discussions based on mutual trust. It will continue to build bridges of dialogue with every State, with the aim of safeguarding the common good rather than individual interests.  

“Thank you, Mr. President.”