Lucrezia Ciotti The Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to represent one of the most complex and dramatic crises of our time, with devastating humanitarian consequences and global diplomatic tensions. In this context, the statements of religious and political leaders take on particular weight, influencing perceptions and relationships between states and communities. The words of Cardinal Pietro parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, provoked the reaction of theIsraeli embassy and the intervention of Pope Leo XIV.
The Israeli Embassy challenges Cardinal Parolin's interview.
In occasione of the second anniversary of the terrorist attack carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, reaffirmed the condemnation of that act calling it a “unworthy and inhuman massacre“. At the same time, however, he stressed that the Israel's military response was “disastrous and inhumane consequences” and expressed deep concern about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, highlighting how tens of thousands of people, many of them children, have been innocent victims.
Parolin recalled the need to ensure that "no Jew should be attacked or discriminated against because he is a Jew, no Palestinian because he is a potential terrorist” and reiterated the importance of involving Palestinians in decisions about their future, promoting peace through diplomacy and negotiation.
The Secretary of State's statements have provoked a harsh reaction from the Israeli embassy at the Holy See, which has accused Parolin of establishing a “moral equivalence" between Hamas's genocidal attack and Israel's right to self-defense, calling it unacceptable to compare a democratic state committed to protecting its citizens with a terrorist organization intent on killing them. Israel also criticized the cardinal's statements for overlooking Hamas's refusal to release the hostages and stop the violence.
Cardinal Parolin had already expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people in the past and supported the solution of the "two peoples and two states“, officially recognizing the State of Palestine including the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza.
The Israeli Embassy challenges Cardinal Parolin's interview: Pope Leo XIV responds.
Pope Leo XIV recently expressed his support to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, in response to criticism from the Israeli Embassy regarding an interview the cardinal gave to the Osservatore Romano. In that interview, Parolin had described the Israeli offensive in Gaza as a "carniceria," prompting a reaction from Tel Aviv, which accused the Vatican of neglecting Hamas's actions and undermining peace efforts.
"I prefer not to comment, but the cardinal expressed the opinion of the Holy See" commented the Holy Father.