As the war in Gaza enters its third year, the Vatican has issued one of its strongest moral condemnations of the violence to date. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State and one of Pope Leo XIV’s top deputies, described the situation as an “ongoing massacre” and urged all nations to examine their conscience in light of the suffering of innocent civilians.
A Cry for Justice and Restraint
Speaking in an interview published by the Vatican’s media outlet, Cardinal Parolin acknowledged the pain caused by Hamas’ initial assault on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, calling those attacks “inhuman and indefensible,” and again urging the group to release remaining hostages.
Yet, he also warned that Israel’s military campaign has gone far beyond legitimate defense. “Those who are attacked have a right to defend themselves,” he said, “but even legitimate defence must respect the principle of proportionality,” according to Reuters.
Cardinal Parolin lamented that Israel’s offensive “disregards the fact that it is targeting a largely defenceless population, already pushed to the brink, in an area where buildings and homes are reduced to rubble.”
The Vatican’s Moral Appeal
For centuries, the Holy See has acted as a moral compass in times of global crisis, urging peace and respect for human dignity. The Church teaches that the right to self-defense must never justify the taking of innocent life. Cardinal Parolin’s words echoed this timeless principle: “We must seriously ask ourselves about the legitimacy … of continuing to supply weapons that are being used against civilians,” he said, though he did not name specific nations (Reuters).
His call comes amid staggering human loss. According to Reuters, citing Gaza health authorities, more than 67,000 people—most of them civilians—have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its campaign following the Hamas-led attack that claimed about 1,200 lives and took 251 hostages in Israel.
Pope Leo’s Deepening Concern
Since his election in May following the death of Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV has steadily increased his public appeals for peace in the region. He has called on Israel to “let in more aid” and personally raised the Gaza crisis in a September meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog (Reuters).
The Holy Father’s approach continues the Church’s mission of compassionate diplomacy, one that seeks justice, protection of the vulnerable, and mercy even in the face of grave violence.
“It Is Not Enough to Say It Is Unacceptable”
Cardinal Parolin’s frustration with global inaction was clear: “It is … clear that the international community is, unfortunately, powerless and that the countries truly capable of exerting influence have so far failed to act to stop the ongoing massacre.” He continued, “It’s not enough to say that what is happening is unacceptable and then continue to allow it to happen” (Reuters).
These words reflect the Vatican’s deep anguish that humanity, while condemning the violence in words, remains paralyzed in deeds. For Catholics, this serves as a moral challenge: to advocate, to pray, and to insist that every life, Israeli or Palestinian, is sacred in the eyes of God.
A Call to Conscience
The Church does not side with nations but with the human person. In calling out both Hamas’ “inhuman” acts and Israel’s “disproportionate” response, the Vatican reminds the world that justice and peace cannot be born from vengeance or destruction.
Cardinal Parolin’s plea is not merely political, it is profoundly spiritual. It asks every leader, nation, and believer to confront the question: how can one claim to value life while allowing such immense suffering to continue?
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
