Cardinal Parolin Calls for Renewed Iran Negotiations as Ukraine Peace Prospects Fade

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the presentation of Antonio Preziosi’s book Easter of Peace: From John XXIII to Leo XIV Towards the Jubilee of 2033 at Rome’s Palazzo Borromeo on 22 July, Cardinal Parolin expressed deep concern over mounting international tensions, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East.

“Unfortunately, it seems to me that we are moving in the opposite direction: there is an escalation, while the prospects for peace remain nonexistent,” he said when asked about recent developments in the war in Ukraine.

Growing Concern Over Ukraine

Reflecting on the conflict in Ukraine, Cardinal Parolin cited information from Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, who recently returned from the country.

According to Parolin, Gallagher reported that the night between Sunday and Monday witnessed one of the most severe attacks since the war began, underlining the persistence of violence and the absence of meaningful progress toward peace.

The remarks underscore the Holy See’s ongoing concern about the conflict and its repeated calls for dialogue and diplomatic engagement as the preferred path to ending the war.

Hope for a Return to Iran Negotiations

Turning to developments involving Iran, Cardinal Parolin focused on the uncertainty surrounding the collapse of a Memorandum of Understanding that is no longer in force.

“I do not know how this will end. I think very few people know, perhaps no one,” he said, acknowledging the unpredictability of the current situation.

Despite those concerns, Parolin voiced hope that negotiations could resume and lead to a durable agreement. Such an outcome, he argued, would benefit both Iran and the broader international community.

He stressed that unresolved tensions pose a threat to global stability, saying that agreements aimed at reducing conflict are essential because “these situations put peace at risk.”

His comments reflected the Vatican’s longstanding preference for diplomacy and negotiated solutions to international disputes.

“No to Walls, Yes to Bridges” in Gaza

Addressing reports that the Italian military is constructing a wall in the Gaza Strip, Cardinal Parolin reaffirmed a principle that has become synonymous with the Holy See’s approach to conflict resolution.

“We can sum it up in a slogan: no to walls, yes to bridges,” he said.

The Cardinal explained that this phrase encapsulates the Vatican’s broader vision of fostering dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding rather than separation and division.

His remarks indicated that the Holy See views bridge-building, both literally and symbolically, as a necessary foundation for peace efforts in regions affected by conflict.

Appeal for Calm Following Violence in Bologna

Cardinal Parolin also spoke about unrest that erupted in Bologna following the death of Abderrahim Fakir, who died after being tackled to the ground by police.

Expressing sorrow over the incident, Parolin said his primary hope was that the facts surrounding the case would be fully established through proper investigation.

“I simply hope that the truth can be established,” he said, emphasizing that inquiries should take place in an atmosphere of calm.

He cautioned against further unrest, insisting that violence cannot contribute to justice or reconciliation.

“Violence is never productive,” he stated.

The Church’s Persistent Message of Peace

The Vatican Secretary of State also reflected on the increasingly confrontational tone of public debate in Italy, including reactions to the conviction of jeweller Mario Roggero, who was sentenced for killing two robbers and wounding a third following a 2021 robbery at his store.

In that context, Parolin emphasized the Church’s responsibility to continue promoting values that support peaceful coexistence, regardless of changing political or social circumstances.

“The Church continues to speak words that can be of service,” he said, invoking the Parable of the Sower and expressing hope that such messages would eventually bear fruit.

According to Parolin, the Church has a duty to remain steadfast in advocating dialogue, understanding and reconciliation, even when immediate results appear limited.

“The Church never tires of repeating this message,” he said. “Regardless of the results that may be achieved, it is right to keep insisting on these values, which are essential for peaceful and constructive coexistence.”

A Legacy of Peace Across the Pontificates

During the book presentation, Cardinal Parolin also offered a broader reflection on the Church’s historic role in promoting peace since the Second Vatican Council.

He described the mission as a “relay race” linking successive Popes, each contributing a new element to a growing “mosaic” of international harmony through both words and actions.

Parolin highlighted a series of landmark papal appeals for peace, ranging from Saint John XXIII’s Pacem in terris and Saint Paul VI’s famous plea of “No more war!” to Pope Francis’ warnings about a “world war fought piecemeal” and Pope Leo XIV’s assertion that “war is never worthy of humanity.”

Together, he suggested, these teachings form a continuous tradition that challenges conflict and champions reconciliation.

Looking ahead to the Extraordinary Jubilee of 2033, Parolin also stressed the ecumenical dimension of the Church’s mission. He expressed hope that preparations for the milestone celebration would foster greater Christian unity and strengthen efforts to overcome divisions through dialogue, diplomacy and reconciliation.

For the Vatican’s chief diplomat, that commitment remains unchanged: promoting what he called an enduring “Easter of peace” in a world increasingly marked by conflict and polarization.

• Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News