Archbishop Christophe Z. El Kassis has formally assumed his role as the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations. The Lebanese prelate presented his credentials to Secretary-General António Guterres on September 16 in New York, marking the beginning of his tenure representing the Vatican at the international body.
Pope Leo XIV appointed Archbishop El Kassis to the post on July 25, 2026. The appointment follows a long diplomatic career for the Maronite archbishop, who was born in Beirut in 1968 and ordained a priest in 1994. He joined the Holy See’s Diplomatic Service six years later, serving in Indonesia, Sudan, and Türkiye before becoming Apostolic Nuncio to Pakistan in 2018. Cardinal Pietro Parolin consecrated him as a bishop in St. Peter’s Basilica on January 19, 2019.
Hate Speech Undermines Human Dignity
On September 17, Archbishop El Kassis delivered his first address at the Global Conference on Promoting Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue and Tolerance in Countering Hate Speech. Speaking from the Holy See’s perspective, he emphasized that hate speech is not a form of free expression but a threat to social cohesion.
The Holy See maintains that every person possesses inalienable dignity because they are created in the image and likeness of God. Consequently, the Vatican rejects intolerance, discrimination, and rhetoric that targets individuals based on religion, race, nationality, or other characteristics. Such speech undermines peaceful coexistence and erodes the foundations of a just society.
“Hate speech poisons public discourse, inflames division, and too often prepares the ground for violence and persecution,” Archbishop El Kassis said during his address.
The archbishop’s remarks align with the broader moral framework established by Pope Leo XIV regarding civil discourse. The pontiff has previously noted that mindful language is essential for building a humane civilization. “The first contribution we can make toward a more humane civilization is to be mindful of our words,” Pope Leo XIV stated.
Diplomatic Context
The Holy See’s engagement with the United Nations often focuses on human rights, peacebuilding, and interreligious dialogue. Archbishop El Kassis brings extensive experience in regions facing complex geopolitical challenges, including the Middle East and North Africa. His background as a Maronite archbishop also informs the Vatican’s approach to protecting religious minorities and promoting tolerance.
The conference in New York highlighted the growing concern among international bodies about the rise of online hate speech and its real-world consequences. The Holy See continues to advocate for legal and social frameworks that protect human dignity while respecting legitimate freedom of expression. As the new Permanent Observer, Archbishop El Kassis will represent these positions in various UN forums.
The Vatican’s stance on this issue is consistent with its broader teaching on the common good and the responsibility of individuals and institutions to foster peace. By distinguishing between protected speech and harmful incitement, the Holy See seeks to contribute to a more respectful global dialogue.