Church in European Union calls for preserving outer space as the common heritage of humanity

A conference organized by the Catholic Church emphasized the need to address issues of growing concern as nations and private actors are increasingly involved in space exploration and activities.

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) in cooperation with the Caritas in Veritate Foundation organized a conference titled “Outer Space: A New Frontier of the Common Good.”

Representatives from the Catholic Church and European Union, as well as diplomats, academics, and experts, gathered at the event in Brussels on June 9 to reflect on the ethical, political, and strategic implications of outer space governance and sustainability in an increasingly interconnected world.

As COMECE noted in a statement, the conference took place against the backdrop of “a rapidly evolving global space sector. In recent years, outer space has become an increasingly prominent area of strategic, economic, and scientific interest.”

“Alongside the growing ambitions of established space powers,” COMECE stated, “an increasing number of countries are seeking to develop or expand their presence in space.”

At the same time, the sector has also seen a significant rise in private actors, “whose expanding role in satellites, deployment, space exploration, and commercial activities is reshaping the governance landscape.”

The developments highlight the urgent need to foster international dialogue and cooperation to ensure that outer space continues to serve the common good and that its exploration and use remain the “province of humankind,” accessible for peaceful and sustainable purposes, “for the benefit and in the interest of all countries in accordance with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.”

Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and president of the Caritas in Veritate Foundation, opened the event together with Father Manuel Barrios Prieto, secretary-general of COMECE.

Both men stressed the profound moral dimension of these issues, since “they concern peace, justice, and the dignity of present and future generations.”

Balestrero stated that “we must not turn space into a jungle,” as it is not “a lawless frontier” governed by the principle of “first come, first served.”

The prelate emphasized that it offers humanity “an invitation to avoid repeating many of the mistakes made on Earth. Space therefore must be explored with responsibility, solidarity, and respect for subsidiarity, for the benefit of present and future generations.”

Barrios noted that, in an increasingly polarized world, “the European Union and its institutions have a significant role to play in guiding humanity in navigating such questions wisely.”

He also highlighted several initiatives such as the proposal for an EU Space Act, the development of a European Space Shield, and investments in various programs that, in his view, “reflect the EU’s growing responsibility in shaping the governance of space activities.”

During the conference, the Caritas in Veritate Foundation presented its publication “Outer Space and Humanity at a Crossroads: Reflections on a New Frontier of the Common Good.” It offers interdisciplinary, ethical reflections and recommendations regarding the opportunities and responsibilities associated with humanityʼs growing presence in outer space.

Conference participants also reflected on the increasing importance of outer space for communications, security, environmental monitoring, and technological development while addressing emerging challenges such as “space debris, the congestion of low-Earth orbit and the risk of the militarization of space.”

Furthermore, special attention was paid to “the ethical dimensions of space activities and the need for governance frameworks capable of balancing technological innovation, security considerations, and the responsibility to safeguard the common good for present and future generations.”

The conference “reaffirmed the importance of promoting a human-centered approach to scientific and technological progress, guided by ethical responsibility, international cooperation, and a commitment to peace,” COMECE noted.

“As humanity’s presence beyond Earth continues to expand, participants emphasized the need to ensure that outer space remains a shared heritage whose exploration and use should contribute to the flourishing of the entire human family,” the statement reads.

The event forms part of COMECE’s “ongoing efforts to foster dialogue between the Catholic Church, the EU institutions, and civil society on emerging policy challenges affecting the future of humanity and the common good.”

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.