Vatican City: At a book launch at a university in Rome, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, addressed critical international issues, urging immediate measures to halt the escalating war in Ukraine and stressing the need to resolve the conflict without delay.

While refraining from commenting on the International Criminal Court's recent arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza, Parolin voiced the Vatican's deep concern over recent developments in Ukraine. He highlighted the alarming use of long-range missiles and the heightened risk of global conflict.

Responding to a question about Pope Francis' comments on whether Israeli actions in Gaza, where fatalities have surpassed 44,000, could constitute genocide, Parolin explained, “The Pope has articulated the Holy See's position—that such matters require careful examination based on established legal definitions of genocide.”

Parolin noted the Vatican's acknowledgment of Netanyahu's arrest warrant but reiterated its priority: ending the war. He expressed similar apprehension over Ukraine, citing the deployment of Western-made missiles into Russian territory and President Putin’s warnings of a potential global escalation.

“I echo the Holy Father’s urgent call: we must act now to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control,” Parolin cautioned. “The consequences of further escalation could be catastrophic and unpredictable.”

Reflecting on the ongoing conflict, Parolin acknowledged the war’s dire state, remarking, “It’s difficult to determine if there has been a darker moment in this crisis, but current developments are deeply unsettling.”


He also confirmed that the Vatican remains committed to facilitating prisoner exchanges and securing the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. Although no recent breakthroughs have been made, Parolin emphasized that these humanitarian efforts are essential steps toward future negotiations.

Regarding Pope Francis' remarks on Gaza, Parolin reiterated that the Pope’s comments were informed by expert analyses, suggesting that the events there might meet the criteria for genocide. “The Holy See consistently advocates thorough investigation and adherence to international legal standards in such grave matters,” he said.

Parolin also underscored the Vatican’s unwavering stance against antisemitism. “The Holy See’s position is unequivocal,” he stated. “We denounce antisemitism in all its forms and remain committed to fostering a culture of rejection and resistance against it.”