Raising of the flags of the Holy See and the State of Palestine

Excellencies,
Dear colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen:

As we raise the flags of the Holy See and the State of Palestine today, we raise the hopes of the international community. Hope for peace, hope for inter-cultural dialogue, and in particular, hope for progress in the peace process in the Middle East.

Let these flags, as they fly next to that of the United Nations, be a reminder that we must never lose faith. As his Holiness the Pope emphasized at the General Assembly this year, the contemporary world is experiencing a growing and steady social fragmentation. Restoring confidence in one another should be a priority for us all.

The Holy See has long been an active observer at the United Nations. It plays a particularly important role in the promotion of inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue. There are too many instances where religion is used to divide people. Being attentive to such instances enables us to speak out against them. And the Holy See has done so repeatedly. Hence, the presence of the Holy See, especially at the Human Rights Council, here in Geneva, is of the utmost importance to all of us.

Raising these flags is an act of large symbolism. It particularly reflects the commitment of the Palestinian Authority to pursue the long-held dream of the Palestinian people of their own State. And it also reflects the lasting commitment of the United Nations, to support Palestinians and Israelis in coming to a negotiated agreement that will realize a two-State solution, which is long overdue.

The alarming incidents in the West Bank and Israel in recent days forcefully remind us of that urgent necessity. The United Nations stands for the promotion of non-violence and human rights. The symbolism of the Israeli and Palestinian flags flying peacefully here in Geneva, the city of peace, should serve as inspiration to Israelis and Palestinians alike. And I urge both sides to uphold these commitments in these challenging days. We must all support a successful peace process.

With the two flags of the Holy See and Palestine being raised, let me once again cite his Holiness the Pope who said about the United Nations that “the history of this organized community of states is one of important common achievements over a period of unusually fast-paced changes.” These words remind us that when all peoples whose flags are lined up here work together, we can overcome long-standing deadlock and shape positive change.

Hope gives people the strength to come together in pursuit of a common goal. The two flags of the Holy See and of Palestine at the United Nations serve to mobilize hope in the promotion of peace, rights and well-being worldwide.

Thank you very much