The Cardinal, on the sidelines of an event on Ukraine at the Gregorian University, answered journalists’ questions about the direct negotiations starting tomorrow in Turkey: “We hope it will be a serious starting point to end the war.” He also assures that the mechanism for the repatriation of Ukrainian minors is “active.” Regarding Pope Leo XIV, he affirms that “he is a man of peace” and is open to the possibility that his first trip could take place in Nicea.
By: Salvatore Cernuzio – Vatican News
Publication Date:
All eyes are on Turkey, a possible destination for Pope Leo XIV’s first trip for the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea. Starting tomorrow, Istanbul will host a summit where the presidents of Russia and Ukraine are expected to engage in direct negotiations with the aim of achieving a ceasefire. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, answered journalists’ questions for the first time after the Conclave at an event at the Gregorian University titled “Toward a Theology of Hope for and from Ukraine”, organized under the patronage of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church. He shares expectations for these direct negotiations, mediated by the US, which could see the Ukrainian and Russian presidents, Zelensky and Putin, together for the first time.
“We always hope for glimmers of peace,” the Cardinal tells the various media outlets. “We are pleased that there is finally the possibility of a direct meeting. We hope that the existing knots can be untied there and that a real path to peace can be initiated.” According to the Secretary of State, it is “premature” to say what will happen today, the hope is that Istanbul will be “a serious starting point” to end the war.
Premature to consider a trip to Kyiv
“Premature,” according to Parolin, is also to speculate on a possible visit by Pope Leo XIV to Ukraine, in response to President Zelensky’s invitation in Monday morning’s phone call. The Pope – who in Sunday’s Regina Caeli and in this morning’s lengthy speech to participants in the Jubilee of the Eastern Churches made strong appeals for the violence-stricken territories – “will renew, as he has done several times since the beginning of his pontificate, the appeal for an end to the war,” assures the Cardinal. “We – he adds – remain always available to offer a space as well. Talking about mediation is excessive, but at least about good offices, facilitating the meeting.” At the same time, they do not want to “interfere with other ongoing initiatives.”
Active mechanism for children’s repatriation
The position of the Holy See, says the Secretary of State, is one that seeks to bring the parties closer together rather than create further divisions. He assures that the “mechanism” – initiated and strengthened by the mission of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi – which has also led to the repatriation of some Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia, remains “active.” It mainly involves “exchanges of names through the Nunciatures, then checks on the spot and responses.” The numbers of these children are “very controversial,” but the important thing is that they “gradually return to their families, to their homes, to their loved ones.”
Ending the conflict in Gaza
On the Middle East as well, the Pope and the Holy See will continue along the same lines that Francis has followed, that is, the constant appeal to “end the conflict in Gaza, secure the release of hostages,” and “for humanitarian assistance to Gaza.” On these points, there was “a strong call for serious intervention” during the pre-Conclave general congregations, coupled with “concern because the Middle East is emptying of Christians.” “So answers to this major issue must be found.”
Leo XIV, a man of peace who desires peace
Brushing off questions about discussions before and during the Conclave (“Don’t ask us questions we have to answer negatively,” smiles the Cardinal), Parolin instead focuses on the figure of the newly elected Pontiff who has received “very positive” comments and reactions. “He presented himself in a very calm manner. He is a man of peace who wants peace and who will build peace through the bridges he has referred to since his first words of greeting to the faithful.”
The possible trip to Nicea
The Cardinal finally responds to the question of where Pope Leo’s first trip could take place: “I think of Nicea,” he says. “It is an important moment for the Catholic Church, an important moment for ecumenism. Surely it was planned for Pope Francis to go there.
