Parolin after Netanyahu call to Leo XIV: Many limits have already been exceeded

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, warned about the seriousness of the situation in Gaza and requested that the recent call of the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to Pope Leo XIV not only in words, but translates into actions.

“Many limits have already been exceeded. After so many words, you have to give way to the facts,” said Cardinal Parolin in An interview Granted on Friday, July 18 to the Italian public television Rai, in which he addressed the escalation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip and the recent attack on the Church of the Sagrada Familia.

In relation to the telephone conversation, the purple recognized: “I think it was timely. You could not explain to the Pope what happened, which is of absolute gravity.” However, he stressed that “there are three things that can be expected of this call: a serious investigation, that their results are known and that, finally, the facts are passed.”

“I sincerely hope that what the prime minister has said come true as soon as possible, because the situation in Gaza is truly unsustainable,” he said.

The Secretary of State also strongly questioned the siege against the civilian population. “How can a population like Gaza be destroyed and hungry?”

On July 17, an Israeli air attack attacked the Church of the Sagrada Familia, the only Catholic parish of Gaza, which served as a refuge for more than 500 people, many of them Christians. The bombing left at least three dead and a dozen injured, including Argentine pastor, P. Gabriel Romanelli, who suffered leg injuries but is out of danger.

Cardinal Parolin insisted on the need for the investigation promised by the Israeli authorities. “It was assured that there would be an investigation into the matter: so that this investigation would really be carried out seriously and that the results will be made known.”

“Let’s take time to what they really tell us what happened: if it has really been a mistake – which can be legitimately doubted – or if you wanted to hit a Christian church directly,” he warned.

The late Pope Francis closely followed the situation of the Christians in Gaza and spiritually accompanied Father Romanelli with daily telephone calls since the war began in October 2023. Today that closeness has continued through Leo XIV. The Christian community has resisted notable spiritual strength despite extreme conditions.

Asked about the role of the Holy See in the peace negotiations, Cardinal Parolin recalled that mediation is only possible if both parties are willing to accept it: “We will continue to insist as always, without losing hope, but technically it is very difficult.”

He added: “It is necessary political will to end war knowing that costs are terrible costs for all in every way.”

Finally, he expressed caution at the ads of a possible truce. “You cited me Netanyahu’s words that the truce would be close: I would like to believe it,” he concluded.