Vatican diplomat warns UN of arms race in space

Archbishop Christophe Z. el-Kassis, the Holy See's permanent observer to the United Nations, called for a ban on all space weapons during a United Nations First Committee discussion on October 21. Speaking at the 81st session of the General Assembly in New York, the archbishop warned that the lack of a strong legal framework could lead to the militarization of outer space.

Archbishop el-Kassis stated that humanity should not extend arms races beyond Earth, especially as existing international conflicts and mistrust strain the global order. He noted that modern life relies increasingly on space for scientific research, navigation, and communications. He urged the preservation of space for peaceful purposes that serve the common good.