Cardinal Parolin: Holy See's Unique Position Excludes Participation in Board of Peace
The Holy See's distinct status as a sovereign entity sets it apart from other nations, leading to its decision not to join the Board of Peace, according to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State. This stance was emphasized during a bilateral meeting in Rome with the Italian Government, where the anniversary of the Lateran Pacts was celebrated.
The meeting, held at Palazzo Borromeo, the Embassy of Italy to the Holy See, also featured the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella. Cardinal Parolin's remarks shed light on the Holy See's perspective on international affairs and its relationship with Italy.
Addressing journalists, Cardinal Parolin highlighted concerns regarding Italy's role as an observer in the Board of Peace. He noted that certain aspects of this involvement raise questions and require clarification. Despite the efforts to provide solutions, the Holy See has identified critical issues that need resolution.
One key concern, as explained by the Vatican Secretary of State, is the United Nations' (UN) primary responsibility for managing crisis situations at the international level. This principle has been a focal point of the Holy See's advocacy.
War in Ukraine: A Source of Pessimism
Cardinal Parolin also expressed deep pessimism about the ongoing war in Ukraine, marking the fourth anniversary of the conflict. The recent heavy bombardments on energy infrastructure in Kyiv and other cities underscore the grim reality. The Cardinal emphasized that neither side appears to be making significant progress toward peace, and the situation remains tragic after four years.
Gratitude and Progress in Bilateral Relations
Despite the challenges, Cardinal Parolin acknowledged the positive relationship between the Holy See and the Italian Government. During the bilateral meeting, the Holy See expressed gratitude for Italy's attention to matters of social importance, including family support, education, disability support, and prison reforms. These issues are closely monitored by the CEI (Italian Bishops' Conference), and progress has been made in addressing them.
