Italien: “The Holy See's diplomacy has yet to produce a harvest,” says Cardinal Parolin on war in Ukraine

On September 17, the Secretary of State of the Holy See addressed questions from journalists during the conference in Rome titled “Faith and Reason in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” The discussion also focused on the escalating conflict of Russia's war against Ukraine. This was reported by Vatican Radio.

The Secretary of State addressed several questions about the situation in Ukraine and the role of the Holy See in the escalating war, which is approaching Europe's borders. The cardinal reiterated the call for dialogue and assured that the Holy See remains committed to its humanitarian efforts. "The results are rather limited," he acknowledges, adding that "we continue on our path" — the path of humanitarian diplomacy. "The diplomacy of the Holy See, the diplomacy of sowing, does not produce a harvest. So we hope that, by continuing to sow, one day, when God wills it, we may also reap," Cardinal Parolin emphasized.

He mentioned that he did not have specific details about when Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Bishops' Conference (CEI), would travel to Russia to continue the mission he started last summer in Ukraine. However, he emphasized that the Holy See will persist in its humanitarian efforts, in the hope that this "may open doors" for a ceasefire, negotiations, and dialogue. According to Cardinal Parolin, Moscow should not be isolated; it is important to "establish some kind of channel where people can talk to one another," because "only by talking to each other can solutions be found". He expressed hope that a "platform can be found where everyone feels safe, and everyone can also grow in well-being and prosperity." (Quelle: www.risu.ua, 18. September 2026)