Vatican: Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has called on the international community to join hands in pursuing peace in Ukraine, stressing that ending the suffering caused by war requires collective action from global powers.

Speaking at the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome, Cardinal Parolin said that every nation, particularly the United States, European countries, and Asian powers like China, has a role to play in building a path toward peace. He acknowledged the complexity of the conflict, saying that while negotiations might be taking place behind the scenes, finding clear steps toward a ceasefire remains a challenge.

“If we knew the right steps, we would have already taken them,” he admitted, reflecting the Vatican’s humility and realism about the road to peace.

The cardinal highlighted the role of humanitarian efforts as a vital part of peacebuilding. Referring to the Bambino Gesù Hospital as a beacon of compassion, he underlined how caring for children affected by war and supporting the exchange of prisoners are ways to foster understanding and reconciliation.

Parolin also spoke about his recent meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, describing it as a positive exchange where both sides openly shared their perspectives.

The Vatican’s diplomatic approach continues to focus on humanitarian action and moral leadership rather than direct political involvement. By urging the participation of multiple world powers, the Holy See seeks to emphasize that the conflict in Ukraine is not just a regional issue but a global moral concern.

Cardinal Parolin’s remarks reflect the Vatican’s broader vision of peacenone built not only through political negotiation but also through concrete acts of compassion and solidarity that restore human dignity amid war.