Dialogue is the clue that breaks the spiral of war

Going through historical events over the past years, one realizes that wars or rather waves of violence never came to an end, though they occasionally seem to intermittently cease. Yet, what is evident is that wars come to end only after initiating dialogue leading to peace deals.

In an exclusive interview with the Italian newspaper “La Repubblica”, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin elaborates on this issue by reflecting on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza Strip, the role of multilateralism, while highlighting the critical importance of dialogue for Vatican diplomacy. He accentuates the fact that peace cannot be imposed but is built patiently with mutual respect.

Stressing that the Holy See is very concerned about the risk of an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, which would cause further suffering and new victims, he expresses appreciation for any initiative that could lead to peace, as "this war cannot go on."

Quoting His Holiness Pope Francis as he "repeatedly reminded us, peace cannot be imposed; it is built patiently, day by day, through dialogue and mutual respect," he states that "No one trusts anyone anymore, and this climate generates fear, rearmament, preemptive aggression, and a spiral of permanent conflict."

On the situation in the Gaza Strip, Cardinal Parolin says that data and images from there are "humanly horrific and morally unacceptable." While stressing that "self-defence is legitimate," he states "but it can never involve the total or partial annihilation of another people or the denial of their right to live in their own land."

Cardinal Parolin reaffirmed the importance of dialogue saying, "I believe that the greatest contribution the Holy See can make in the current international landscape is precisely that of dialogue: bearing witness to its importance and practicing it personally, even when it is difficult, even if it becomes an unpopular choice, even if it seems useless or unproductive."

Actually, it is important to note that the lack of serious dialogue between warring parties in every part of the world, particularly in the aforementioned conflicts, only leads to continued bloodshed and suffering to peoples who lose hope in a bright future for the new generations.

It is important in this regard  to quote Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, prefect of the Dicastery for Eastern Churches, who has said, 'It is not strength that saves the world, but the 'weakness' of boundless love".

It is relevant to note that Lord Jesus Christ Himself is our peace. He Himself can give peace, and only Christ Himself can bring peace in us and among us. Without Christ there is no peace, even if it prevails for sometimes it does not last long. Christ is the real peace, and He gives us His peace not as the world does.

The Holy Bible states in this regard, "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)