As Christians around the world prepare for Holy Week, a powerful call has emerged from the Vatican: end the violence and rediscover the peace of the Risen Christ.
Speaking to journalists during a Vatican gathering, Cardinal Pietro Parolin issued a direct and urgent appeal to the global community. “Put an end to this foolishness that is war,” he said, according to Vatican News.
His plea comes at a particularly painful moment for the Holy Land, where ongoing conflict threatens the faithful’s ability to fully live out the most sacred days of the Christian calendar. The Cardinal acknowledged the severe restrictions facing believers and expressed hope that, even amid turmoil, “at least within” holy sites such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, “the rituals may still be celebrated,” according to Vatican News.
Looking ahead to Easter, Cardinal Parolin emphasized that the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection is inseparable from the call to peace. “Easter is the feast of peace, the peace of the risen Lord,” he said, adding that it is “a special occasion to renew this invitation and put an end to this foolishness that is war,” according to Vatican News.
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Beyond international conflict, the Cardinal also reflected on tensions within society, particularly in Italy following a recent national referendum. While noting strong civic participation, he urged leaders and citizens alike to seek unity rather than division. Political strain, he warned, is “concerning, as it does not serve the good of society and the country,” according to Vatican News.
He called for a renewed commitment to collaboration, encouraging all sides to work toward “greater harmony and collaboration, always for the common good of the country,” according to Vatican News.
Addressing troubling social issues, including a violent incident involving a young student, Cardinal Parolin pointed to a deeper moral crisis. While acknowledging the need for preventative measures, he stressed that the root issue lies in formation. “What are the values that our young people are inspired by?” he asked, emphasizing that “it is fundamentally a matter of education,” according to Vatican News. He expressed hope that schools will become places where young people learn to “live together, respect one another, and be constructive.”
Turning to the life of the Church, the Cardinal also addressed ongoing tensions surrounding the liturgy, particularly debates over the Traditional Latin Mass. Echoing concerns raised by Pope Leo XIV, he cautioned against allowing divisions to deepen within the Body of Christ.
“The liturgy must not become a cause of conflict and division among us,” Cardinal Parolin said, urging the faithful to seek unity and understanding. He added that it is possible to find solutions “without making the liturgy a battleground,” according to Vatican News.
In a world marked by war, division, and uncertainty, the message from the Vatican is clear: Easter is not only a celebration of Christ’s victory over death—it is a call to reject violence, embrace peace, and rebuild unity in every corner of human life.
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