At the OSCE Ministerial Council gathering in Vienna, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher called for a revitalized international effort to prevent conflicts and restore trust across regions experiencing deep political fractures. Addressing representatives of the fifty seven participating states, he appealed for the revival of the original vision that shaped the Helsinki Final Act, asking leaders to recommit to dialogue and shared responsibility as foundational tools for sustainable security. His remarks reflected growing concern over widening instability and highlighted the Holy See’s long standing role in advocating diplomatic engagement rooted in human dignity. Gallagher emphasized that the credibility of multilateral institutions depends on their willingness to adapt creatively while remaining anchored in principles that place people rather than geopolitics at the center of decision making. His intervention therefore sought to encourage a renewed commitment to a security framework that prioritizes cooperation, transparency and the prevention of escalation.
A significant portion of his address focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where he noted that prolonged hostilities have hardened divisions and eroded prospects for reconciliation. Gallagher urged all parties to pursue sincere dialogue, reaffirming that negotiated solutions require patience, moral courage and a shared understanding that peace cannot emerge from entrenched confrontation. He recalled recent appeals made by Pope Leo during visits to Turkey and Lebanon, where the pontiff underscored that dialogue is neither compromise of values nor an act of weakness but rather the only viable path toward enduring stability. The archbishop’s remarks conveyed both urgency and caution, stressing that responsibility for peace rests not only with political leaders but also with institutions whose mandate includes fostering cooperative security across diverse regions. His words carried particular weight at a moment when global tensions continue to place pressure on humanitarian systems and diplomatic channels.
Gallagher also addressed a series of issues that reveal the broader human dimension of security policy. He expressed concern over rising intolerance based on religion, referencing increasing antisemitism and a growing number of incidents targeting Christians, Muslims and other faith communities. He supported recent OSCE initiatives aimed at improving the documentation and prevention of hate crimes while insisting that freedom of religion remains essential to any society that values human dignity. The archbishop further discussed migration and human trafficking, urging member states to adopt policies that protect refugees and displaced persons while addressing the exploitation of vulnerable populations. He highlighted the need for coordinated action to eliminate trafficking related practices, noting that exploitation of women and children remains a persistent challenge requiring sustained political and legal commitment. His appeal reiterated the Holy See’s long standing position that security is inseparable from moral responsibility and that authentic peace is built upon respect for every human person.
