Vatican City: “We must not accept war as inevitable,” declared Cardinal Pietro Parolin in a powerful interview with Vatican Media marking 1,000 days since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Speaking on November 19, just before departing for the G20 summit in Brazil, the Vatican Secretary of State expressed his hope that this somber milestone would spark a renewed sense of accountability among those with the power to halt the violence.

Cardinal Parolin, who visited Ukraine in July, traveling to Lviv, Odessa, and Kyiv, reflected on the relentless suffering endured by the Ukrainian people and outlined steps the global community and the Church can take to support peace.

Profound Sadness and a Call to Action

On this somber occasion, Cardinal Parolin described his deep sorrow:
“We cannot grow numb to the daily reports of death and destruction. Ukraine is a nation under siege, enduring the sacrifice of generations of men torn from their lives and families to fight, while others lose their homes or live in precarious conditions.”

Despite the overwhelming tragedy, he called for action, emphasizing prayer, solidarity, and advocacy for peace as essential responses.

Three Paths to Support Ukraine

Prayer and Faith: Cardinal Parolin urged believers to pray for the conversion of "the lords of war" and to seek Mary’s intercession for peace in the region.
Solidarity in Action: He highlighted the Church's ongoing work to care for those affected by the war, from providing essential aid to offering spiritual support.
Raising Voices for Peace: Parolin stressed the importance of collective rejection of war, denouncing the arms race, and advocating for peace initiatives. "As one human family, together, we can achieve much," he said.

Halting the Sound of Weapons

Acknowledging the difficulty of brokering a just peace, the Cardinal called for an immediate truce, emphasizing that stopping the violence requires decisive action, particularly from Russia, the aggressor.
"We need leaders willing to wager on peace instead of war," he said, warning of the catastrophic risks of continued conflict, including the possibility of nuclear escalation.

He lamented the loss of trust and the absence of diplomatic efforts, noting that war not only destroys lives but also steals the future from children, divides communities, and breeds hatred. Parolin invoked the successful Holy See-mediated peace treaty between Argentina and Chile 40 years ago as a model for conflict resolution. "Why can't this spirit be rediscovered in Europe today?" he asked.

The Hope for Negotiations

Despite grim prospects, Cardinal Parolin emphasized that negotiation remains essential:
“Dialogue requires courage, not weakness. Negotiation is possible when trust—however minimal—exists and is paired with sincerity and good faith.” He reiterated that the sacredness of human life demands relentless efforts toward peace.

As wars rage on in Ukraine, the Holy Land, and elsewhere, Parolin underscored the Church's unwavering stance: "We cannot accept war as an unchangeable reality. Let this thousandth day of suffering awaken a sense of responsibility in all, especially those who hold the power to end this carnage."