The Vatican secretary of state expressed his concern over the violence in Nicaragua. On July 9, the nuncio, archbishop of Managua and his auxiliar were assaulted by a paramilitary group that entered a basilica where a dozen people were taking refuge.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
Vatican Secretary of State
“We hope that dialogue, which is the next step, can begin again and produce results. However, in all dialogue, there must be a will to reach an agreement.”
The prelates didn't suffer serious injury, but they said this act demonstrates the violent environment that exists in the country.
The secretary of state also spoke of the migrant situation in Europe. He was on a visit to the Vatican hospital, Bambino Gesù, which presented its annual report on social and medical activity.
Parolin lamented the Italian government's decision to close ports to the NGOs that rescue migrants. Its interior minister publicly expressed his suspicion that there is business being done between NGOs and human traffickers.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
Vatican Secretary of State
“I think we already expressed our concern. I said closing the ports is not the solution to this problem.”
It's the same opinion expressed by NGOs present at the Mass Pope Francis celebrated for migrants on the fifth anniversary of his visit to the island of Lampedusa, the southern Italian site where thousands of African refugees attempt to arrive.
