Holy See Warns Against Weaponization of Space, Calls for Global Responsibility
The Holy See has voiced deep concern over the growing militarization of outer space, warning that the buildup of weapons beyond Earth’s atmosphere poses a “genuine and grave threat” to international peace and security. Speaking at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, emphasized that space must remain a shared heritage of humanity, devoted solely to peaceful purposes and scientific cooperation.
Archbishop Caccia began his address by recalling the words of Pope Leo XIV, who in a recent video conversation with astronaut Buzz Aldrin reflected on the “vastness and fragility” of creation revealed through space exploration. The Pope described space as a mirror of both divine greatness and human responsibility, a realm that calls humanity to humility rather than domination. Building on this reflection, Archbishop Caccia urged nations to treat space not as a battlefield or an extension of earthly power struggles but as a sacred trust to be preserved for future generations.
He noted that despite decades of international discussions, including regular meetings of the UN Conference on Disarmament since 1985, the world still lacks a comprehensive ban on space-based weaponry. Anti-satellite systems and the uncontrolled accumulation of debris in low Earth orbit, he said, are already destabilizing factors that threaten not only global security but also the sustainability of future scientific missions.
The Archbishop reiterated that the principles of the Outer Space Treaty clearly define space as a common good belonging to all humanity. Any attempt by states or private companies to claim exclusive control, he warned, risks repeating the same patterns of conflict and exploitation that have scarred Earth’s history. Instead, he called for renewed international cooperation and multilateral agreements that safeguard space as a domain of peace, solidarity, and discovery.
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Caccia appealed to world leaders to choose dialogue over competition, arguing that humanity’s progress in the cosmos should inspire unity rather than division. “Outer space must remain a domain of hope, progress, and shared responsibility,” he said, urging governments to see beyond national interests and embrace their collective duty to protect the heavens for generations yet to come.
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