The death toll in Gaza has risen to over 54,000. According to Palestinian authorities, that is the number of victims since October 7, 2023, although they noted that there are still bodies under the rubble that have not yet been recovered.
This comes in addition to recent attacks on schools and hospitals, as well as the blockade of humanitarian aid deliveries.
At the Vatican, this situation is being closely monitored. Not only by Pope Leo XIV, with his ongoing appeals for an end to the war, but also by the Secretary of State, who remains attentive to every development.
The Vatican’s top diplomat, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, spoke to Vatican media about the events unfolding in the Palestinian territory.
"What is happening in Gaza is unacceptable. International humanitarian law must always apply, and to everyone. We call for the bombings to stop and for the necessary aid to reach the population."
Cardinal Parolin also spoke about the possibility of the Vatican hosting negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The cardinal clarified Pope Leo XIV’s offer, which is the Holy See’s availability as a neutral and protected venue for dialogue.
"It was not, therefore, a mediation, because mediation must be requested by the parties […]. In any case, it is not important where the negotiation between Russians and Ukrainians, that we all hope for, takes place. What truly matters is that this negotiation can finally begin, because it is urgent to stop the war."
The Holy See is currently advocating for an urgent ceasefire in Ukraine, which could lead to a stable, just, and lasting peace, agreed upon by both parties.
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