Cardinal Parolin: Violence in Minneapolis is unacceptable

By Antonella Palermo

“The position of the Holy See is always to avoid any kind of violence, obviously, and therefore we cannot accept episodes of this kind. That is our position, as you know”.

Those were the words of Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, responding to questions from journalists concerning Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents’ operations in Minnesota, United States, which have resulted in the death of two US citizens.

“Difficulties, problems, and contradictions must be resolved in other ways,” added the Secretary of State, aligning himself with an earlier statement from the U.S. bishops, and describing the situation as “unacceptable.”

Cardinal Parolin was speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the “Ethics and Economy” meeting organized by LUMSA University in Rome.

Board of Peace: there are “problematic apects”

The Secretary of State then also commented on the open letter sent to him yesterday by the Network of Priests Against Genocide, which urges the Holy See not to be part of the ‘Board of Peace’ currently being set up under the leadership of US President Donald Trump.

He was asked whether the Vatican had made a decision on whether or not to participate: “One always has to respond after a while… let us think about it for a moment,” Cardinal Parolin replied, adding that he understands the concern.

He then reiterated what he had told the press days earlier on the same issue, specifying that “faced with this proposal, there were indeed problematic points that needed to be taken into consideration and that would then be evaluated in view of a response. The response has not yet been given, but I believe one cannot forget the problematic aspects of this plan.”

Cardinal Parolin was also asked about the risk that ICE agents might come to Italy during the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina D’Ampezzo. “Yes, yes, I have read the news,” he said, “but I know there is also controversy surrounding it. Let’s not enter into that controversy”.

Greenland: moving toward a solution

Cardinal Parolin, who returned a couple of days from Denmark for celebrations marking the ninth-century St. Ansgar, confirmed that he met, as planned, with Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, who detailed the situation regarding Greenland.

“He told me about his contacts in Washington, which were very much appreciated. I then heard comments as well, especially from Lutheran bishops and other people, saying that Danish public opinion was very pleased with the positions taken,” the Secretary of State said.

“Without going into details, I believe we are moving toward a solution, an agreement. I don’t know the precise terms,” he emphasized, “but it seemed to me that the foreign minister was quite positive following these dialogues that have taken place. Let us hope it is so.”

“Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”: understanding the workers’ crisis

A journalist then asked for clarification regarding the “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, a hospital founded by St. Pio of Pietrelcina which is owned by the Holy See, in San Giovanni Rotondo in southern Italy.

The reporter highlighted the hospital’s deficit and the acute crisis affecting its workers. “We are trying in every possible way to resolve the problem and help the hospital emerge from the difficulties it is facing,” Cardinal Parolin replied.

Regarding criticism over a lack of financial transparency, he promised to consult the chairman of the board of directors to “ask for more information,” reiterating his commitment to addressing the workers’ concerns.