Vatican diplomat warns UN of arms race in space, calls for ban on all space weapons

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 allow an arms race to extend beyond Earth.

Archbishop el-Kassis noted that modern life relies increasingly on space for scientific research, navigation, and communications. He stated that humanity must preserve outer space for peaceful purposes that serve the common good. The archbishop's remarks come as global space economy activities, driven largely by commercial investment, continue to expand.