Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, reaffirmed the Holy See’s support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Newsroom (30/07/2025, Gaudium Press )Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a Jubilee event for digital influencers, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, reaffirmed the Holy See’s support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the need for Israel and Palestine to exist “side by side, independently but also in cooperation and security.” His remarks come as French President Emmanuel Macron announced France’s intention to recognize the State of Palestine in September during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Holy See has recognized Palestine for decades, notably through a basic agreement with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) signed 25 years ago and a Comprehensive Agreement with the State of Palestine in 2015, effective from January 2016. Addressing claims that recognizing Palestine is “premature,” Cardinal Parolin countered, “Why premature? In our view, the solution lies in direct dialogue between the two sides aimed at establishing two autonomous state entities.”
However, he acknowledged challenges, particularly citing Israeli settlements in the West Bank as a practical obstacle to realizing a Palestinian state. He expressed hope that the ongoing High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Resolution of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York would yield progress.
Investigation into Gaza Church Attack
Commenting on the 17 July Israeli strike on the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza, which killed three and injured ten, Cardinal Parolin noted that initial findings suggest the attack resulted from a malfunctioning shell or artillery mechanism rather than intent or human error. “We weren’t able to conduct an independent investigation,” he said. “We accept the findings provided by the Israeli army and government, but we continue to insist on the need for caution.”
He voiced concern over recurring “errors” targeting places of worship and humanitarian institutions, urging Israel to ensure such incidents are prevented. “If there is a will, a way can be found,” he said. Highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, he added, “A new weapon being used is starvation — famine and lack of food,” echoing reports from international agencies.
Mediation Efforts in Ukraine
On the war in Ukraine, Cardinal Parolin defended the Vatican’s neutrality, stating, “We have always tried — while speaking truthfully — to stand close to both sides and, above all, to help find a path toward a resolution of the conflict.” He described a recent meeting between Pope Leo and Metropolitan Antonij of Volokolamsk, head of external relations for the Moscow Patriarchate, as “positive,” emphasizing the importance of dialogue to foster “more cordial and constructive relations” with the Russian Orthodox Church.
Condemnation of Violence in Congo
Cardinal Parolin also addressed a deadly attack on a Catholic church in Ituri, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, perpetrated by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group linked to Islamic Jihad. The assault, which claimed dozens of lives, occurred in a region already beset by ethnic, cultural, and socio-political conflicts. “Adding a religious dimension only makes the problem even worse,” he said, calling the attack a “dangerous signal” for Christians.
The Cardinal’s remarks underscore the Vatican’s ongoing commitment to peacebuilding and humanitarian advocacy amid complex global challenges.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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