Vatican's Representative at the UN Archbishop Caccia Calls on Governments to Ensure People's Basic Needs are Met and Family Support
Holy See Urges Global Focus on Human Dignity and the "Common Good"
At the 64th session of the Commission for Social Development, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the UN, emphasized that social justice must be the primary vehicle for achieving the common good. He argued that while individuals and families are the backbone of society, they require state support to reach their full potential. “Political institutions exist to provide people with the material resources and freedoms required to achieve cultural, moral, and spiritual goals,” Caccia said. He also called on governments to “respect and support the family, and provide appropriate assistance when necessary,” as it is the “natural and fundamental group unit of society” and fosters values such as inclusion, solidarity, and social integration.
Governments must ensure that people’s basic needs are met, such as food, water, shelter, quality healthcare and education, and freedom, he explained.
Key Pillars of the Holy See’s Proposal
Archbishop Caccia outlined several core principles for creating a more equitable global society:
The Role of the State: Governments must ensure social cohesion and provide the material resources—and freedoms—necessary for citizens to pursue moral and spiritual goals.
Centrality of Human Dignity: Development efforts must prioritize the human person. This includes guaranteeing access to essentials like food, water, housing, healthcare, education, and liberty.
The Principle of Subsidiarity: Coordination should happen at the local level. Policies are most effective when they involve the communities they serve, including faith-based organizations.
Support for the Family: As the fundamental unit of society, the family must be protected and supported by political institutions to foster inclusion and solidarity.
Addressing the Root Causes of Poverty
Quoting Pope Leo XIV’s Dilexi te, Caccia called for an urgent focus on the structural causes of poverty. He noted that the "sickness" of poverty isn't just financial—it is also spiritual and moral.
"The deprivations of poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion... lead to discouragement, despair, and loneliness."
The Archbishop concluded by reaffirming the Holy See’s commitment to "integral development," ensuring that every person has the opportunity to thrive in all aspects of life.
Source - https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-02/archbishop-caccia-permanent-observer-un-social-development.html
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