Cardinal Parolin remarks underscore the Vatican’s urgent call for dialogue, diplomacy, and humanitarian action to prevent a slide into wider conflict.
Newsroom (12/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, issued a stark warning on Thursday about the growing risk of a broader global conflict, drawing parallels to the tensions that preceded World War I. Speaking on the sidelines of an international seminar on “Creation, Nature, Environment, for a World of Peace” at the Vatican’s Casina Pio IV, Parolin expressed alarm over recent escalations in Europe and the Middle East, urging a critical moment of reconsideration to avert catastrophe.
“We are on the brink of the abyss,” Parolin told journalists, responding to questions about a Russian drone violating Polish airspace. “If there isn’t a moment of reconsideration regarding the path being taken, there is a risk of an endless escalation and thus the outbreak of a wider war.” His remarks echoed concerns raised by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who warned of a global climate reminiscent of the pre-World War I era.
Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Turning to the Middle East, Cardinal Parolin addressed the ongoing Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, describing the situation as a “humanitarian tragedy” that shows no signs of abating despite repeated appeals from the Catholic Church, including Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pizzaballa.
Parolin praised the resilience of Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of Holy Family Church in Gaza City, and those sheltered there, particularly people with disabilities. “They remain alongside those who are suffering and do not want to give in to violence,” he said.
Commenting on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian initiative aimed at alleviating Gaza’s crisis, Parolin expressed support, stating, “All humanitarian operations that can help alleviate the grave humanitarian crisis in the area are useful, and so we view them positively.”
Diplomacy as a Path to Peace
The Cardinal emphasized the Holy See’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to curb the escalating conflicts. “We are doing everything possible,” he said. “Our diplomacy is trying to make contact with all the involved parties; we talk, we insist—these are the tools we have to try to stop this escalation.”
Parolin also addressed the European Parliament’s recent resolution calling for member states to recognize Palestine, which notably omitted the term “genocide” in describing the Gaza conflict—a term used in a separate document signed by some priests and bishops. “They probably found elements to apply that definition,” Parolin noted cautiously. “We, for the moment, have not done so. This remains to be seen. It is necessary to study; the conditions must be exactly met in order to make such a statement.”
Vatican’s Engagement with Israel
Reflecting on last week’s meeting between Pope Leo XIV and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Parolin revealed that Herzog provided assurances that Israel would not occupy Gaza. “I give everyone the benefit of good faith; then we’ll have to see the facts,” he said, underscoring a cautious optimism tempered by the need for tangible outcomes.
As global tensions mount, Cardinal Parolin’s remarks underscore the Vatican’s urgent call for dialogue, diplomacy, and humanitarian action to prevent a slide into wider conflict.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
Related Images:
