Cardinal Parolin Voices Concern

Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin has voiced the Holy See’s deep concern over what he described as the “systematic violation of international law” amid escalating conflicts worldwide. Speaking on 24 March 2025, the Cardinal highlighted the recent surge of violence in the Gaza Strip, which Pope Francis condemned during his Angelus message on Sunday. “We are very concerned about the systematic violation of international law,” Parolin told journalists on the sidelines of the ‘Vatican Longevity Summit: Defying the Clock of Time’ at the Augustinianum in Rome.

Israeli Embassy Responds

The Israeli Embassy to the Holy See swiftly countered the Pope’s remarks, posting on X today that Israel’s actions comply with international law. The statement came as a direct response to the pontiff’s criticism of the ongoing violence in Gaza.

Call for Peace and Dialogue

Cardinal Parolin framed the Pope’s appeal as “a call to stop, to find ways of dialogue and peace.” He expressed alarm at the deteriorating respect for humanitarian principles, citing discussions with the Red Cross. “They too are very, very much in difficulty,” he said. “The bombing of civilians, the killing of humanitarian workers – these are all actions that go precisely against humanitarian law. Today, there is no respect for humanitarian law anymore.”

Pope Francis’ Health Update
Recovery Underway

Addressing concerns about Pope Francis’ health following his 38-day stay at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Cardinal Parolin reassured reporters that the Pope is now convalescing. “He will need to be at rest,” the Cardinal noted, adding that it is too early to outline the pontiff’s future engagements. For the time being, only critical matters requiring his input will be brought to his attention to prevent overburdening him. “As he gets better, we will get back into the normal rhythm,” Parolin explained.

Highlights from the Longevity Summit
Longevity as a Societal Challenge

In his address to the Vatican Longevity Summit, Cardinal Parolin described longevity as “one of the great challenges of our time,” extending beyond medicine to encompass economy, culture, ethics, and spirituality. He cautioned against society’s tendency to deny frailty and old age, arguing, “Life is a gift and preserves its value in every phase of existence.”

A Call for Ethical Progress

The Cardinal warned against the pursuit of “biological immortality” at the expense of meaningful relationships and community. Quoting Pope Francis, he urged that scientific advancements serve “the integral good of the person” and promote human dignity and universal fraternity. “Longevity cannot become a privilege reserved for the few, nor a new form of social inequality,” he emphasised.

Intergenerational Solidarity

Parolin concluded by advocating for stronger ties between young and old to foster “intergenerational solidarity” and combat a “culture of individualism,” reinforcing the summit’s focus on a holistic approach to ageing.

  Cardinal Parolin, Catholic Church, Pope Francis