As devastating conflicts rage in Gaza and Ukraine, the Vatican is once again raising its voice for peace. In a recent interview with Vatican News, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s Secretary of State, called on the international community to uphold humanitarian law, release hostages, combat antisemitism, and embrace dialogue over destruction.
“What is happening in Gaza is unacceptable,” Cardinal Parolin declared, decrying the bombings of schools and hospitals and the starvation of children. “International humanitarian law must always apply, and apply to everyone. We call for an end to the bombardments and for the necessary aid to reach the population” (Vatican News).
The Cardinal also reiterated the Church’s demand for the immediate release of hostages still held by Hamas after the brutal attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. “We strongly reiterate the demand that Hamas immediately release all the hostages it still holds, and return the bodies of those who were killed,” he said.
Turning to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Cardinal Parolin revealed that Pope Leo XIV has publicly offered the Vatican as a neutral location for negotiations, emphasizing, “This was not a mediation—because a mediation must be requested by the parties. In this case, there has only been a public offer of hospitality for a possible meeting” (Vatican News). Although Russia has thus far declined the invitation, the Vatican’s commitment to peace remains firm.
“What truly matters,” Parolin insisted, “is that these negotiations finally begin, because it is urgent to stop the war.” He called for a truce as a necessary first step “to end the devastation, the destroyed cities, the civilians losing their lives,” and ultimately reach “a stable, just, and lasting peace.”
The theme of peace echoes deeply in the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV. In his first Regina Caeli, the new pope stood where Pope Francis once proclaimed disarmament and repeated the powerful words of Saint Paul VI at the United Nations: “Never again war!” (Vatican News).
In response to speculation that the Vatican is playing a more prominent global role, Parolin demurred, aligning with Pope Leo’s humble vision: “We must fade into the background because Christ is the protagonist,” the Pope said in his homily inaugurating the pontificate. Christians, he added, must be “a little leaven in the dough,” witnessing to love, unity, and peace (Vatican News).
Cardinal Parolin also praised Pope Leo’s recent call to journalists to transform how we speak to one another, especially in times of conflict. “Words too can become instruments of war,” he warned. “The Pope has asked for communication that ‘is not cloaked in aggressive words’ and ‘never separates the search for truth from the love with which we must humbly seek it’” (Vatican News).
Reflecting on the digital revolution and the rise of artificial intelligence, Cardinal Parolin echoed the Church’s caution. He warned against both blind acceptance and ungrounded fear, urging vigilance so that “artificial intelligence [is not] used as instruments of propaganda to influence public opinion with false messages” (Vatican News). Pope Leo XIV, he noted, recently praised journalists who risk their lives to inform the public, affirming that “only informed peoples can make free choices.”
Even amid unresolved tensions and widespread suffering, the message from the Vatican is clear: the Church remains committed to peace, truth, and the dignity of every human person. As Pope Leo XIV continues in the footsteps of his predecessors, the Holy See stands ready to serve—not as a power center, but as a witness to Christ, the Prince of Peace.
The Cardinal’s call for the release of hostages and a truce is a powerful reminder of the Church’s commitment to peace and human dignity. It’s heartening to see the Vatican taking such a strong stance in the face of such devastation. However, I wonder how realistic it is to expect Hamas to comply without significant international pressure. The emphasis on negotiations is crucial, but what concrete steps can be taken to ensure they actually begin? The Church’s role as a witness to Christ’s message of peace is inspiring, yet I can’t help but feel that more could be done to address the root causes of the conflict. How do you think the international community can support these efforts effectively? The call for a just and lasting peace is noble, but achieving it will require more than just words. What are your thoughts on the Church’s approach to this crisis?