Holy See & United nations

[Giggly_Giraffe]

What are the major goals of the Holy See in the United Nations.
Why doesn’t the Holy See have voting powers?

 

[Dale_M]

Because the Holy See is not a member of the United Nations. It is a Permanent Observer.

Switzerland used to be a Permanent Observer, as well. But a few years ago they decided to become a member. Presumably, the Holy See isn’t interested in being a member of the UN, but is content to join in the debates, sponsor resolutions, etc

The goals of the Holy See’s Mission at the UN can be found on its website

The Holy See Mission at the United Nations in New York follows attentively and with interest the work of the United Nations Organization. In this forum, the Holy See Mission communicates the centuries’ experience of the Catholic Church to humanity, and places this experience at the disposal of the United Nations to assist it in its realization of peace, justice, human dignity and humanitarian cooperation and assistance.

The experience and activity of the Holy See is directed towards attaining freedom for every believer and seeks to increase the protection of the rights of every person, rights which are grounded and shaped by the transcendent nature of the person, which permit men and women to pursue their journey of faith and their search for God in this world.

In its activities at the United Nations, the Holy See Mission works to advance freedom of religion and respect for the sanctity of all human life - from conception to natural death - and thus all aspects of authentic human development including, for example, marriage and family, the primary role of parents, adequate employment, solidarity with the poor and suffering, ending violence against women and children, poverty eradication, food, basic healthcare and education.

holyseemission.org/about/index.aspx

 

[runningdude]

The Holy See chooses not become a full member. The Holy See considers itself above ordinary politicking, however, does support the goals of some United Nations programs.

However, some programs of the United Nations promote ideas contrary to the faith, such as contraception. Avoiding scandal by not appearing to passively support such programs is another motivation to avoid full membership.