Cardinal Parolin Urges De-escalation in Middle East Conflicts

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State at the Vatican, has weighed in on the recent tensions in the Middle East, expressing relief that the conflict has not escalated further. Speaking at an Agidae conference at the Pontifical Urban University, Cardinal Parolin noted that efforts are being made by all parties to prevent the situation from worsening.

Despite the mutual attacks between Iran and Israel, Cardinal Parolin emphasized that both sides seem to be exercising restraint in order to avoid a wider conflict. He commended the efforts being made to de-escalate the situation and urged all parties to continue working towards peace.

In response to questions about recent clashes at La Sapienza University in Rome, where students protested against academic collaboration with Israeli institutions, Cardinal Parolin emphasized the importance of dialogue and peaceful engagement. He condemned violence as unjustifiable under any circumstances and called for respectful discussions on contentious issues.

On the topic of abortion and the proposal to include pro-life committees in pregnancy counseling centers, Cardinal Parolin reiterated the Vatican’s support for the right to life, especially for women facing difficult circumstances. He emphasized the importance of protecting life and supporting families in need.

Lastly, Cardinal Parolin advocated for the freedom of families to choose parochial schools for their children without facing penalties. He highlighted the importance of education and the role of parochial schools in providing quality education to students. Overall, Cardinal Parolin’s comments reflect the Vatican’s commitment to promoting peace, dialogue, and respect for life in the midst of global conflicts and social issues.