Parolin: We must stop the escalation and negotiate

The secretary of state talks with some Italian journalists: "Widening the conflict would be a gigantic catastrophe

VATICAN NEWS The spread of the Ukrainian conflict to the rest of Europe would be a "gigantic catastrophe", which makes one shiver. This was stated by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, interviewed by four Italian newspapers (Il Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica, La Stampa and Il Messaggero). The cardinal asks to avoid any military escalation, to stop the bombs and to open negotiations, for which "it is never too late". Parolin assured that the Holy See is "ready to facilitate the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine".

Speaking of the possibility of the conflict spreading directly involving other European countries in the face of the dispatch of arms to Ukraine, the secretary of state states: “I don't even dare to think that. It would be a catastrophe of gigantic proportions, even if, unfortunately, it is not an eventuality to be ruled out entirely. I have seen that the incidents that preceded and caused the Second World War have been evoked in some of the statements made in recent days. These are references that make you shiver ".

To avoid this danger, Parolin explains, “we must avoid any escalation, stop the clashes and negotiate. The eventual return to 'a new cold war with two opposing blocs' is also a disturbing scenario. It goes contrary to that culture of fraternity that Pope Francis proposes as the only way to build a just, supportive and peaceful world ”.

On the possibility of a negotiation and a possible role for the Holy See, the cardinal said: "Although what we feared and hoped would not happen, the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine, I am convinced that there is always room for negotiation . It's never too late! Because the only reasonable and constructive way to settle the differences is through dialogue, as Pope Francis never tires of repeating. The Holy See, which in recent years has constantly, discreetly and with great attention followed the events in Ukraine, offering its willingness to facilitate dialogue with Russia, is always ready to help the parties to resume this path ”.

Last Friday, as is well known, Pope Francis went to knock on the diplomatic headquarters of the Russian Federation in via della Conciliazione: "I take advantage of the opportunity - said Parolin - to renew the urgent invitation that the Holy Father made during his visit to the Russian embassy to the Holy See, to stop the fighting and return to negotiations. First of all, the military attack must be stopped immediately, the tragic consequences of which we are all already witnessing. I wish to recall the words of Pius XII on August 24, 1939, a few days before the outbreak of the Second World War: 'Let men understand each other again. They resume negotiating. By treating with good will and with respect for each other's rights, they will realize that an honorable success is never precluded from sincere and effective negotiations.

The secretary of state also spoke of the disagreements between the Churches: "In the history of the Church, unfortunately, particularisms have never been lacking and have led to many painful divisions, as evidenced by the origin of Christianity St. Paul, who exhorts in the same time to overcome them. In this sense, we see encouraging signs in the appeals of the Heads of the Orthodox Churches, who show their willingness to leave aside the memory of mutual wounds and to work for peace ”. On the other hand, the Churches "agree in expressing grave concern for the situation and in affirming that, beyond any other consideration, the values ​​of peace and human life are what the Churches really care about, which can play a fundamental role in avoiding further worsening of the situation ".

Returning to the ongoing conflict, finally, the cardinal declared: “Once again we see that we need to communicate and listen to each other in order to get to know and understand the reasons of others. When we stop communicating and listening to each other sincerely, we look at each other with suspicion and we end up exchanging only mutual accusations. The developments in recent months have done nothing but fuel mutual deafness leading to open conflict. The aspirations of each country and their legitimacy must be the subject of a common reflection, in a broader context and, above all, taking into account the choices of citizens and in compliance with international law. History does not fail to offer examples that confirm that this is possible ”.

VATICAN: Full English translation from Italian: https://www.vaticannews.va/it/vaticano/news/2022-02/parolin-russia-ucraina-dialogo-intervista.html