Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness, has called for an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people and for a just political solution grounded in international law, human dignity and respect for the rights of all peoples.
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Ministerial Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, Cardinal Parolin stressed that the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza cannot be separated from the wider Palestinian question. He called for the full protection of civilians, respect for international humanitarian law, and the delivery of humanitarian assistance without obstruction, while emphasizing that humanitarian relief alone cannot resolve a conflict whose root causes remain unaddressed.
He reaffirmed the Holy See’s support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and to live in freedom, security and dignity in an independent and sovereign State. He also warned against measures that undermine the territorial integrity and viability of a future Palestinian State, including the expansion of Israeli settlements.
Cardinal Parolin further condemned violence targeting Christian communities in the West Bank and underscored the importance of preserving the historic Christian presence in the Holy Land. He reaffirmed the Holy See’s call to protect Jerusalem’s unique character and its Holy Places.
Concluding his remarks, Cardinal Parolin stressed that lasting peace cannot be built through force or imposed solutions, but only through respect for international law, dialogue, and a political process that addresses the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people.
