Holy See Calls for Stronger Family Formation to Foster Social Unity

New York, February 15, 2025— The Holy See has called for stronger family formation to promote social cohesion, inclusion, and solidarity, emphasising its role in advancing integral human development. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, delivered this message on February 12 at the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development (CsocD63) held at the UN headquarters in New York. The conference, held under the theme "Strengthening solidarity, social inclusion, and social cohesion," aimed to accelerate commitments to the Copenhagen Declaration and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

"At the heart of each of these themes is the family," Archbishop Caccia said in his statement.“The family is a school of deeper humanity and the first place where the values of love and fraternity, togetherness and sharing, concern and care for others are lived out and handed on.” 

Archbishop Caccia went on to emphasise that families play a crucial role in advocating for their members, especially those who may be overlooked or seen as a burden by society. They serve as a powerful example of solidarity and inclusion, ensuring that no one is left behind. 

Urging governments to recognise and support families, Archbishop Caccia stated, "As the fundamental group unit of society, the family is entitled to appropriate respect in its role from the community and the State. The Holy See urges UN member states to promote and respect family life and to foster better conditions for family formation."

Investing in Social Inclusion

In his statement, Archbishop Caccia highlighted that fostering social inclusion requires ensuring that all individuals have access to opportunities and resources necessary for participation in economic, social, and political life. He warned that poverty and exclusion often hinder the full development of individuals and communities.

“Those living in poverty struggle to meet their basic needs, which in turn hinders their integral human development,” he said. “Those who are in vulnerable situations, such as the elderly, the unborn, and persons with disabilities, are sometimes deliberately excluded in a ‘throwaway culture” that sees some people as disposable.” 

Social inclusion, he added, is vital in order to invest in the integral development of all human beings for everyone to flourish. “Effective policies to eradicate poverty are key, as are ensuring quality education for all and promoting a sense of shared responsibility for each other and for the community,” he said.

Restoring Social Cohesion

Despite global interconnectivity through technological advancements, Archbishop Caccia expressed concern over increasing polarisation and declining trust in institutions and fellow citizens. He stressed the need for active participation by people in all aspects of society to bridge these divisions.

“People must be able to participate in all spheres of society, as holders of both rights and duties,” he said. “Leaders and policymakers at all levels should actively involve civil society, academia, the private sector, and faith-based organisations in identifying and responding to problems, taking due account of historic and cultural contexts.” 

The archbishop concluded his statement by underscoring the principle of subsidiarity. He explained that “subsidiarity protects people from abuses by higher-level social authority and calls on these same authorities to help individuals and intermediate groups to fulfil their duties.”

Courtesy: Vatican News