Amid growing diplomatic friction between the United States and Europe, the Holy See is urging restraint, dialogue, and renewed respect for international law as essential foundations for peace and cooperation.
Speaking to journalists in Rome on January 21, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin warned that escalating tensions risk deepening an already fragile international climate. “Tensions are not healthy and create a climate that worsens an international situation that is already serious,” he said, according to Vatican News. He emphasized that disagreements must be addressed thoughtfully, adding that it is necessary “to discuss the controversial points, but without entering into polemics and without fueling tensions.”
The Cardinal’s remarks came during an international event focused on engaging young people in shaping the future, underscoring the Vatican’s concern that political polarization threatens not only current diplomacy but also the moral and social inheritance left to the next generation.
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Addressing questions about a proposed Board of Peace for Gaza, Cardinal Parolin confirmed that the Holy See has received an invitation to participate. According to Vatican News, he noted that the Pope has received the invitation and that the matter is still under consideration, explaining that “it is an issue that requires some time to be properly assessed and to provide a response.” While clarifying that the Vatican would not participate financially—“We are not even in a position to do so”—he stressed that the Holy See’s role differs from that of nation-states and would be evaluated accordingly.
The Vatican Secretary of State also responded to comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump expressing affection for Europe while criticizing its current direction. Cardinal Parolin acknowledged that such views are personal but stressed a higher priority: “What matters is respect for international law,” he said, according to Vatican News. He added that beyond individual opinions, “what is important is respect for the rules of the international community.”
For Catholics, this emphasis reflects long-standing Church teaching on the moral order among nations, rooted in justice, law, and the dignity of peoples rather than power or rhetoric.
Cardinal Parolin also addressed concerns about freedom of the press, highlighting the crucial role journalism plays in shaping public trust. “Trust in the media is extremely important,” he said, while warning that freedom must be paired with responsibility. According to Vatican News, he stressed the need for “a responsible use of the media that seeks to build up rather than polarize or destroy.”
As geopolitical tensions rise, the Holy See’s message remains consistent: peace is built not through confrontation, but through dialogue, respect for law, and communication that unites rather than divides. For the Church, these principles are not merely diplomatic strategies, but moral imperatives grounded in the Gospel’s call to seek peace and the common good.
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