Cardinal Pietro Parolin has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, echoing Pope Leo XIV’s appeal to end the ongoing conflict and avert “collective punishment” in the region.
Newsroom (28/08/2025, Gaudium Press )Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, echoing Pope Leo XIV’s appeal to end the ongoing conflict and avert “collective punishment” in the region. Speaking to journalists after celebrating Mass on the Memorial of Saint Monica at the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Campo Marzio, Rome, Cardinal Parolin emphasized the Holy See’s stance on the deepening Middle East crisis, highlighting the need for safe access to humanitarian aid and respect for international humanitarian law.
A Plea to Halt Displacement
Cardinal Parolin reiterated the Holy See’s position, recalling Pope Leo XIV’s General Audience remarks and the joint statements from the Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchs of the Holy Land. “The Pope, along with the Patriarchs, has called for an end to the war and spoken out against the displacement of Gaza’s population,” he said. The Cardinal stressed the urgency of halting forced evacuations, describing the situation as a humanitarian tragedy exacerbated by competing interests.
Obstacles to Peace
Despite the existence of “many possible solutions” to end the conflict, Cardinal Parolin pointed to a web of “political, economic, power-related, and hegemonic” interests obstructing a humane resolution. “These interests are preventing a solution to this tragedy,” he said, underscoring the complexity of achieving peace in the region.
Courage in Crisis
Addressing the safety of religious personnel and the faithful in Gaza, Cardinal Parolin noted that the Israeli government’s evacuation order has granted “freedom” for individuals to leave. He referenced comments from Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III, who reported that members of Gaza’s Orthodox parish were asked to evacuate. “Choosing to stay is courageous,” the Cardinal remarked, while acknowledging the challenges posed by the evacuation order and Israel’s “total control” of the territory. “Each person will decide what to do,” he added, expressing uncertainty about the feasibility of remaining under such conditions.
Diplomatic Efforts
On the diplomatic front, Cardinal Parolin confirmed ongoing engagement with the U.S. administration through Vatican channels. He expressed cautious optimism about international talks following Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s visit to Washington. “I expect what the Pope has asked for: a ceasefire, safe access to humanitarian aid, respect for international humanitarian law, and the avoidance of collective punishment,” he stated, emphasizing these as “essential” steps toward de-escalation.
Israel’s Stance and Vatican Resolve
Cardinal Parolin acknowledged the Israeli government’s firm position on forced evacuations, noting that it “has shown no intention of backing down.” Despite this, he described the Holy See’s commitment to “persist” in advocating for change. “Perhaps there is little hope,” he admitted, but reaffirmed the Vatican’s determination to push for a resolution that prioritizes humanitarian principles.
The Vatican’s renewed call for peace comes as the Gaza crisis continues to draw global attention, with the Holy See urging all parties to prioritize dialogue and respect for human dignity in resolving the conflict.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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