Speaking during the Final Plenary Session of the high-level Conference for Peace in Ukraine held in Switzerland on 15-16 June, Cardinal Pietro Parolin reiterated the Pope’s belief that dialogue between all the parties involved is the only means to achieve “true, stable and just peace.”

The Vatican Secretary of State also reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to maintain “regular communication with the Ukrainian and Russian authorities,” and assist in potential mediation initiatives.

Holy See delegation

A Holy See delegation headed by Cardinal Parolin who was accompanied by the Apostolic Nuncio to Switzerland, Archbishop Martin Krebs,  and by Archbishop Paul Butnaru, an official of the Section for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Secretariat of State,  was present as an observer at the Summit having accepted the joint invitation of the President of the Swiss Confederation and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 

While reaffirming its presence and will to assist diplomacy and humanitarian efforts in any way, The Holy See did not sign the Summit’s Final Communiqué in line with its observer status.

In his speech, Cardinal Parolin said he welcomed the initiative that he said was “carefully prepared by Ukraine, which, while making enormous efforts to defend itself from aggression, has also worked continuously on the diplomatic front, eager to achieve a just and lasting peace.”

Expressing his belief that in the face of war, it is crucial to continue to seek ways to end the conflict “with good intentions, trust and creativity.”

Dialogue is the only way

He recalled that this message is conveyed repeatedly by Pope Francis whose appeals, particularly to the leaders of nations, emphasise that “the only means capable of achieving true, stable and just peace is dialogue between all the parties involved.”

The Cardinal noted that “in accordance with its nature, the Holy See is participating as an Observer, paying particular attention to the respect for international law and humanitarian issues.”

Thus, with regard to the first aspect, he reaffirmed “the validity of the fundamental principle of respect for the sovereignty of each country and for the integrity of its territory."

Repatriation of children

The Cardinal also said the Holy See is greatly concerned about the tragic humanitarian consequences of the war “and is especially committed to facilitating the repatriation of children and encouraging the release of prisoners, especially seriously wounded soldiers and civilians.”   

He stressed the importance of the reunification of minors with their families or legal guardians and “any exploitation of their situation is unacceptable.”

Thus, Cardinal Parolin called for the strengthening of every available channel to facilitate this process.

He explained that the Holy See participates as an observer in the work of the International Coalition for the repatriation of Ukrainian children from Russia and maintains direct contact with both the Ukrainian and Russian authorities aiming to enhance “the effectiveness of the ad hoc mechanism created following the visit of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi to Kyiv and Moscow, with a view to resolving concrete cases.”

Prisoners

The Vatican Secretary of State also turned his attention to the plight of civilian and military prisoners expressing concern “over the periodic reports of non-compliance with the Geneva Conventions.”

“In particular about the Fourth Convention, which most directly concerns civilians, and the difficulty of creating, together with the International Red Cross Committee, a Joint Medical Commission that could assess the situation of prisoners of war in need of urgent medical care,” he said.

Holy See’s commitment

The Cardinal reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment “to maintaining regular communication with the Ukrainian and Russian authorities, and remains prepared to assist in the implementation of potential mediation initiatives that are acceptable to all parties and benefit those who have been affected.”

At the same time, he added, it encourages countries and other members of the international community “to explore ways of providing assistance and facilitating mediation, whether of a humanitarian or political nature.”

“On behalf of Pope Francis,” Cardinal Parolin concluded, “I wish to confirm his personal closeness to the tormented Ukrainian people and his unwavering commitment to peace."