Cardinal Parolin: Resist escalation in Holy Land, protect innocent children

By Vatican News

The Holy See is working to secure the release of Israeli hostages while calling for attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and warning of potential escalation.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, made these observations about the Israel-Hamas war on Friday, as he responded to questions from journalists outside at event at Rome's Campidoglio.

He was participating in an event to commemorate the legacy of late Italian Cardinal Achille Silvestrini, who passed away in 2019 and who served for many years as a diplomat for the Holy See in the 70s and 80s.

Appeal for innocent children

Responding to the press, Cardinal Parolin reiterated Pope Francis' constant appeals on behalf of peace and the Holy See's stance for a two-state solution.

"Think about what happened to the children who were killed by Hamas, but also the many children who die under the bombs in Gaza," the Cardinal said. "Our appeal is especially for them, to take into account their innocence, their future."

Reasons for peace greater than those for war

The Vatican Secretary of State underscored the need for peace to prevail over war.

"I join in the appeal that the Pope has made and repeated many times in this war," he said, "that is, that the reasons for peace may prevail over violence and war. More concretely, our appeal is for the release of hostages and then for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza."

"These," he said, "are the two focuses on which the Holy See's appeal and action is concentrating."

Two-state solution

The Holy See continues its support for a two-state solution in the region, the Cardinal reaffirmed.

"This," he added, "has always been the position of the Holy See. Many no longer believe in it, partly because of all the developments that have taken place. For us, it remains the only viable solution that could ensure a future of peace and serene closeness between the two States, through direct dialogue between the two sides."

One journalist asked Cardinal Parolin about the possibility of the Holy See mediating in the crisis.

"I believe that there are no great spaces at the moment, but there is the possibility on the spot - there is also the presence of the Church on the spot through the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem - that there is some interlocution and exchange of messages," he said. "It is more on that side that something is being done."

Possible papal meeting with families of hostages

Referring to Israel's preparations for a full-blown invasion into Gaza, the Cardinal said, "So far this has not happened."

"We hope," he continued, "that there will be no worsening of the situation and that it can be resolved otherwise. I think this is very much related to the issue of the release of hostages. If the hostage issue could be resolved there would probably be less urgency to take ground action."

The Cardinal also said the Holy See is evaluating the possibility of Pope Francis holding a meeting with families of Israelis who were taken hostage.

"We are considering this," he said. "We have seen that they are here and have been received by Italian institutions. For us, no final decision has yet been made but I think by today it will be taken."

'Everything we can do, we will do'

Cardinal Parolin was also asked about the Pope's recent phone calls with President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and with the President of the United States, Joe Biden.

Noting he was not aware of the contents of the conversation with the Turkish President, the Cardinal said the US President is also concerned about a possible escalation.

"There have been contacts with the US because we think the US can also play an important role in this case," he said. "The Pope reiterated what is the position of the Holy See with regard to Biden, and was listened to because Biden himself - from what I have heard - is worried about a possible escalation and hopes that things will not get worse."

The Cardinal Secretary of State pointed out that "we have never used the word 'ceasefire'; we have requested attention for the humanitarian situation."

"Everything we can do we will do," Cardinal Parolin maintained, stressing, "the Pope is very open about this."

"We will evaluate from day to day how the situation evolves and, based also on this, there will be the possibility of other contacts with other leaders," he said.

Tragedy in war-torn Ukraine

Cardinal Parolin also recalled war-torn Ukraine and "the tragedy" facing the country.

"Now Ukraine has receded from focus a little, but we certainly continue to work on that front, too," he assured. "We continue to work especially on the humanitarian aspect."

"Today," said the Cardinal, "there is a meeting in Malta of the Political Councillors on President Zelensky's peace platform. The Nuncio will also participate. I recorded a video yesterday to say that we continue to pay attention to the tragedy of Ukraine and the need to involve everyone to find a solution."