The Vatican’s top diplomat, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has issued a sharp condemnation of the ongoing violence in Gaza, calling Israel’s military operations an ‘ongoing massacre’ and criticizing both Hamas’ attacks and the Israeli response as disproportionate. In an interview marking the second anniversary of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, Parolin warned that the Israeli military’s response has stretched far beyond the bounds of proportionality, turning Gaza’s neighborhoods into ruins.
Parolin, one of Pope Leo XIV’s advisers, emphasized that even legitimate self-defense must respect the principle of proportionality and cannot justify the destruction of a ‘largely defenseless population.’ He also questioned the morality of arms sales to parties in the conflict, urging a reevaluation of the legitimacy of such weapons when used against civilians. The Vatican’s position marks one of its sharpest rebukes of the current war and reflects a shift toward a more forceful stance under Pope Leo XIV.
Reuters reported that Hamas-run Gaza health authorities claim Israel’s campaign has resulted in over 67,000 deaths, largely civilians. Parolin also reiterated the Church’s demand that Hamas free all remaining hostages, stating that neither side’s suffering diminishes the other’s. The Vatican’s strong condemnation comes as European leaders face mounting pressure to take more concrete action against the violence.
Parolin criticized the international community’s paralysis, calling on countries with influence to stop the ‘ongoing massacre.’ He echoed Pope Leo XIV’s prior appeals for adherence to humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, emphasizing the need for action against the indiscriminate use of force.
At the same time, Parolin highlighted the suffering of both sides and called for an end to the cycle of violence. His statements underscore the Vatican’s growing role in the conflict and its efforts to address what it sees as an escalating humanitarian crisis. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Vatican for further clarification.