Rome: Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has voiced grave concern over the worsening crisis in Gaza, stressing that while genuine solutions exist, they remain obstructed by competing political, economic, and hegemonic interests. Speaking to journalists after celebrating Mass on the Memorial of Saint Monica at the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Campo Marzio, Rome, the Cardinal echoed Pope Leo XIV’s appeal for a ceasefire and safe access to humanitarian aid.
Cardinal Parolin recalled Pope Leo’s strong plea at the morning’s General Audience, which aligned with the Holy See’s consistent position on the Middle East conflict. The Pope, joined by the Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchs of Jerusalem, had called for an immediate end to the war and condemned any forced displacement of Gaza’s civilian population. Parolin underlined that displacing families under siege is not only unjust but also a violation of basic human dignity.
The Vatican diplomat pointed to the multiple layers of interest that are hindering progress. “There are many possible solutions, solutions that could truly end this situation,” he said. “But the weight of political, economic, power-related, and hegemonic interests continues to block a humane resolution to this tragedy.” He suggested that genuine peace could only come when the suffering of the population is placed above regional and global rivalries.
Addressing the situation of Christian communities in Gaza, Parolin noted that religious leaders have been granted some freedom to decide whether to remain despite Israeli evacuation orders. He cited the statement of Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III, who conveyed that Orthodox parishioners had been asked to leave Gaza. “Each person will decide what to do,” the Cardinal said, acknowledging that staying under such conditions would be an act of courage, though logistically and practically extremely difficult.
On the diplomatic front, Cardinal Parolin confirmed that the Holy See is maintaining dialogue with the United States through the Vatican’s embassy. He expressed cautious hope that recent high-level discussions between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and U.S. officials could produce tangible steps. “What the Pope has asked for is very clear: a ceasefire, safe access to humanitarian aid, respect for international humanitarian law, and avoiding collective punishment,” he stressed.
However, he admitted that the Israeli government shows little sign of revising its stance on evacuation, noting, “Perhaps there is little hope, but the Holy See will persist.” Despite the bleak outlook, Parolin reaffirmed the Vatican’s moral commitment to advocating for peace, insisting that faith communities and international diplomacy must not abandon those caught in Gaza’s suffering.