Archbishop Gallagher: Every war is a moral and human failure

By Isabella H. de Carvalho

Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, urged the international community to take concrete steps towards peace in Ukraine, in a speech during the 1554th Reinforced Meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OCSE) Permanent Council

“The Holy See urges all parties to demonstrate the necessary political courage to establish and maintain sincere and inclusive diplomatic channels that aim for a just and lasting peace,” he said in an address delivered on February 24, 2026, on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Every war represents a moral and human failure,” Archbishop Gallagher said.

Concrete steps need to be taken

He highlighted how “concrete steps must be taken" towards peace, adding that “those entrusted with the highest public responsibility must prioritize immediate humanitarian pauses alongside sustained diplomatic engagement, with the aim of translating goodwill into verifiable, lasting arrangements for peace.”

He insisted that “dialogue must be based on sincerity in negotiations and the faithful fulfilment of obligations.”

In this regard, he pointed out that the Holy See believes the OCSE can play an important role in facilitating dialogue, building confidence and implementing measures to restore security.

He emphasized that the Holy See “stands ready to support any earnest diplomatic initiatives that place the human person and the alleviation of suffering at the heart of their efforts.”

The importance of respecting international humanitarian law

Archbishop Gallagher then echoed Pope Leo XIV’s concerns about the importance of respecting international humanitarian law, saying this cannot depend on circumstances or on military and strategic interests.

International humanitarian law “must always prevail over the ambitions of belligerents, in order to mitigate the devastating effects of war, also with a view to reconstruction,” he said, quoting the Pope’s January 9 address to the members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See.

“While invoking the sacredness of human life and dignity, the Holy See calls upon all parties to act with urgency and compassion and to strive for a dialogue motivated by a sincere search for paths leading to peace,” the Archbishop concluded.