Despite the ongoing violence in Gaza and new reports of hostility toward Christians in the West Bank, the Vatican continues to hold firm to hope that the proposed peace plan for the region will prevail, said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.
Speaking with journalists during the launch of Aid to the Church in Need’s Religious Freedom Report in Rome, Cardinal Parolin said the Holy See “remains full of hope” for the success of diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict. According to Vatican News, the Cardinal acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that peace remains fragile but not beyond reach.
Concern for Christians in the Holy Land
Cardinal Parolin expressed particular concern for Christians living in the West Bank, especially in the village of Taybeh, where local reports have described intimidation and harassment by Israeli settlers. “This is certainly a very complex issue,” he said, “but we fail to understand why these Christians, who are simply living their normal lives, should be subjected to such hostility.”
While the Cardinal stopped short of using the term “persecution,” he emphasized that such actions “are situations we cannot accept,” according to the same report. His remarks echo the Vatican’s longstanding appeal for the protection of Christian minorities in the Holy Land, communities that often find themselves caught between political tensions and acts of aggression.
Addressing Violence in Nigeria
Turning his attention to another area of deep concern, Cardinal Parolin reflected on the surge of violence against Christians in parts of Nigeria. Drawing on information from local Church leaders, he explained that the violence is “not a religious conflict, but rather more a social one, for example, disputes between herders and farmers.”
He added that extremists often target Muslims and Christians alike, stressing that “many Muslims in Nigeria are themselves victims of this same intolerance.” According to Cardinal Parolin, such violence stems from extremist groups “that make no distinctions in pursuing their goals.”
Warning Against a Culture of Intolerance
Beyond religious conflicts, Cardinal Parolin also spoke about growing threats to freedom of expression. He condemned the recent attack on Italian journalist Sigfrido Ranucci, whose home was targeted with an explosive device.
“We are increasingly at risk of living in a climate of intolerance, where freedom of expression is no longer respected,” the Cardinal warned. He offered solidarity to Ranucci and called for mutual respect in public discourse: “We want everyone to be able to express their views with respect and objectivity, but we also want people to be free to express themselves without being subjected to these types of threats.”
A Vision of Hope Amid Crisis
Through his remarks, Cardinal Parolin underscored the Holy See’s dual mission—to speak out against injustice and to nurture hope in the midst of suffering. His message serves as a reminder that the Church’s role in times of conflict is not only to decry violence but also to believe that peace, grounded in dialogue and respect for human dignity, is still possible.
As the Church continues to pray for those suffering in the Middle East and Africa, Cardinal Parolin’s appeal stands as a call to Catholics worldwide: to remain steadfast in faith, courageous in truth, and hopeful in the promise of peace.
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