Rome: In a compelling interview with La Stampa, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin reaffirmed the Holy See’s enduring commitment to global peace, pushing back against the normalization of armed conflict and the notion that war is an inevitable outcome.

Reflecting on the recent failure of the Istanbul peace summit on Ukraine, Cardinal Parolin emphasized that this setback must not halt peace efforts. “The collapse of the summit cannot signify the end of diplomacy,” he said. “The Holy See, true to its vocation, urges the world to reject violence and the misguided belief that war is the only answer.”

Quoting Pope Leo XIV, Parolin echoed a determined pledge: “For peace to flourish, I will leave no effort undone.” He reiterated the Vatican’s readiness to serve as a neutral mediator. “We stand willing to facilitate direct encounters between adversaries, to rekindle hope and restore the dignity of peace.”

Discussing Pope Leo XIV’s call for a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine, Cardinal Parolin outlined the necessary criteria for any meaningful resolution. “Peace cannot stem from coercion or fear. It must arise from sincere, respectful, and sustained dialogue,” he said.

He insisted that peace must uphold the dignity of all sides—avoiding humiliation and conditions that perpetuate division. “Only peace rooted in international law, justice, and liberty—not fragile truces upheld by weapons—can endure.”

Cardinal Parolin also addressed Europe’s increasing investment in military capabilities, cautioning against an arms race. “While every nation has the right to self-defense, we must consider whether expanding arsenals genuinely builds trust or merely entrenches fear,” he warned.

He stressed that self-defense, though a recognized right, must be balanced with the moral responsibility to address and eliminate the causes of conflict. “An arms race is not a path to peace; it is a path to peril.”

Turning to the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, Cardinal Parolin delivered a sharp rebuke. “In 2025, it is intolerable to witness such profound suffering among civilians,” he declared, urging Israel to lift its blockade and allow unimpeded humanitarian access.

He rejected the idea of war as a legitimate method for conflict resolution and pointed to two ceasefires in the region that led to the release of over 140 hostages as proof that negotiations can yield results even amid complexity. “War should never be mistaken for diplomacy.”

Asked about Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s attendance at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration Mass, Cardinal Parolin interpreted it as a promising sign of engagement. “The Holy See has never closed its doors,” he noted. “Herzog represents a state, and our dialogue seeks to promote a fair peace process and cooperation on shared concerns.”

He also reaffirmed the Vatican’s unwavering opposition to antisemitism and emphasized that Pope Leo XIV will continue the Church’s dedication to strengthening Jewish-Christian relations.

On the escalating geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China, Cardinal Parolin warned of a return to Cold War-style polarization. “We must not fall back into old dichotomies,” he said. “Dialogue remains the only viable route to prevent confrontation.”

He urged both nations to maintain open channels on trade, security, and diplomacy, and called on the broader international community to recommit to multilateralism and equitable global governance. “Peace demands diplomacy, mutual respect, and transparency.”

Reflecting on the global turnout at Pope Francis’ funeral and Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration, Cardinal Parolin interpreted the international presence as a reaffirmation of the Holy See’s moral and diplomatic authority. “It signaled that the voice of the Vatican is still heard and valued in global affairs.”

With the early days of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy marked by fresh calls to unity and peacebuilding, Parolin concluded, “We are at the threshold of a renewed dialogue—one that can inspire leaders to choose bridges over barriers, and humanity over hostility.”