“At this historic moment, in which we witness an increase of tensions and conflicts in different parts of the world,” Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, says, “peace is a clear and imperative priority for Pope Francis and for me personally.”
Cardinal Parolin has confirmed he will visit Moscow from August 20-24, 2017, to meet with Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, and Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church.
In an interview with Italian publication Corriere della Sera, the Vatican Secretary of State noted he will talk with President Vladimir Putin primarily about the search for “dialogue,” “peace” and the “common good,”
The present situation in the Middle East and Syria and in Ukraine, and the conflicts in other parts of the world, the prelate stressed, “are subject to the constant attention and concern of the Holy See.”
Therefore, he explained, “the necessity and urgency to seek peace and the way to pursue it, will certainly be one of the main topics of the conversations.”
“The Church,” Cardinal Parolin stressed, “does not cease to remind all lawmakers of the planet not to put national interests, or at least particular interests, ahead the common good – not the law of force but the force of law – for the development of the whole man and of all men, and the harmony and cooperation between nations. And the method is always dialogue.”
While saying not to exclude the possibility of Pope Francis visiting Russia in the near future, Cardinal Parolin stated: “The purpose of my visit goes beyond the preparation of a possible visit of the Holy Father to Russia.”
“However,” he said, “I hope that, with God’s help, I can offer a contribution in this direction.”
