Cardinal Parolin: Hostage agreement is a ‘very important’ step forward

By Vatican News

"The agreement signed today between Israel and Hamas on the ceasefire and the release of around 50 hostages is a step forward of immense importance", said Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Wednesday.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event at Palazzo Cesi, in Rome, dedicated to the architectural heritage of the Holy See, the Vatican Secretary of State commented positively on the agreement because, he said,  "it seemed to me that the hostages question was the key issue also with regards to the armed intervention of Israel". Therefore, "if we begin to resolve this issue, we hope that a definitive truce can be agreed and negotiations for a peaceful solution to this bloody conflict in the Middle East can start ".

Pope’s meetings with the hostages' families and the group of Palestinians

Cardinal Parolin was then asked about Pope Francis’ Wednesday audience with a group of Palestinians and the fact that according to what they reported at  a press conference after the meeting – he used the word "genocide".

The Director of the Vatican Press Office, Matteo Bruni, had already intervened on this point, stating: “I don’t know if  (the Pope) used this term. He used the terms he expressed during (the General Audience) and words which nevertheless represent the terrible situation experienced in Gaza".

On this matter, Cardinal Parolin added: “I don't know exactly. I saw the statement that was issued after the audience but I did not receive direct information on the conversation with Holy Father. Of course, genocide is a very technical term that applies to certain situations.  I don't know if in this situation we can talk about genocide." According to the Secretary of State, it is therefore unlikely that the Pontiff used this word: "I repeat:  it is a term that applies to certain very specific situations, which also has very precise consequences at an international level".

As for the fact that someone in the group of relatives of the Israeli hostages, also received in the morning by the Pope, expressed "disappointment" over the words he uttered at the Wednesday General Audience on “terrorism “ without mentioning Hamas, Cardinal Parolin said that: "It is always difficult to please everyone".

“Normally – he added – the Holy Father speaks in quite generic terms. Obviously, those who want to understand, understand. There is no need to go into details."

“I believe that this is a somewhat general style of the Holy See, Cardinal Parolin further clarified. “If we see the Pope's interventions, he never goes into detail by calling people and situations by name and surname. But obviously, it refers to specific situations. Those who want to understand,  understand”, he repeated.