Cardinal Parolin denounces violence in Minnesota, addresses Vatican stance on Trump’s ‘Board of Peace,’ and Greenland diplomatic progress.
Newsroom (29/01/2026 Gaudium Press ) Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has condemned recent episodes of violence in Minneapolis, following operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents that left two American citizens dead. Speaking with reporters on the sidelines of the “Ethics and Economy” conference organized by LUMSA University, Cardinal Parolin reiterated the Holy See’s unwavering position against violence in all its forms.
“The position of the Holy See is always to avoid any kind of violence, obviously, and therefore we cannot accept episodes of this kind. That is our position, as you know,” the cardinal declared. Supporting a recent statement from U.S. bishops, he added that “difficulties, problems, and contradictions must be resolved in other ways,” describing the situation as “unacceptable.”
Vatican Position on the “Board of Peace”
Responding to questions about the controversial “Board of Peace,” a new initiative spearheaded by U.S. President Donald Trump, Cardinal Parolin acknowledged growing unease within the Church. An open letter from the Network of Priests Against Genocide urged the Vatican to withdraw from the project, citing moral and political concerns.
Asked whether the Holy See would participate, Cardinal Parolin said the Vatican was still considering its decision. “One always has to respond after a while… let us think about it for a moment,” he remarked. He noted that the plan raised “problematic points” that required serious evaluation, emphasizing that “one cannot forget the problematic aspects of this plan” even as discussions continue.
ICE Presence Abroad and Olympic Controversy
When asked about speculation that ICE agents might operate in Italy during the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Cardinal Parolin acknowledged the controversy but declined to elaborate. “Yes, yes, I have read the news, but I know there is also controversy surrounding it. Let’s not enter into that controversy,” he said.
Greenland Talks: Signs of Diplomatic Progress
Returning from a diplomatic visit to Denmark for celebrations honoring St. Ansgar, the ninth-century missionary known as the Apostle of the North, Cardinal Parolin confirmed meetings with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen. Their discussions focused on the geopolitical situation concerning Greenland.
“He told me about his contacts in Washington, which were very much appreciated,” Parolin said. “Without going into details, I believe we are moving toward a solution, an agreement. I don’t know the precise terms, but it seemed to me that the foreign minister was quite positive following these dialogues.”
The Vatican’s diplomatic approach toward Arctic affairs aligns with its broader pursuit of peace and cooperation, balancing ecological ethics with international dialogue.
The Crisis at “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”
Addressing domestic issues, Cardinal Parolin was also questioned about the financial troubles at Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, a major Vatican-owned hospital founded by St. Pio of Pietrelcina in San Giovanni Rotondo. The facility is reportedly facing a severe deficit and labor unrest among its staff.
“We are trying in every possible way to resolve the problem and help the hospital emerge from the difficulties it is facing,” the Secretary of State assured journalists.
He acknowledged public criticism over a perceived lack of transparency, promising to contact the hospital’s board chairman to “ask for more information” and to reaffirm his commitment to supporting the workers and restoring stability.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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