The Weight of Conflict

Archbishop Caccia began by unequivocally condemning the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas against Israeli civilians, while simultaneously emphasizing the plight of Palestinians facing an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. In his remarks, he drew attention to the immense loss of life, the displacement of families, and the critical lack of access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and medical care in Gaza.

“The prolonged conflict has caused immeasurable suffering, with thousands of lives lost, including many children,” he stated. “Entire families are being forced from their homes, creating a dire need for humanitarian aid and international solidarity.”

He further underscored the ripple effects of the crisis on neighboring regions, particularly Lebanon, a nation already grappling with its own political and economic struggles.

A Call for Humanitarian Integrity

Central to the Archbishop’s address was an appeal for the protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law. He stressed the importance of ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid and safeguarding civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities, schools, and places of worship.

“Respect for human dignity and the sanctity of civilian life must guide all actions in times of conflict,” Caccia urged.

Support for UNRWA and Its Mission

In light of the ongoing crisis, Archbishop Caccia emphasized the critical role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Providing vital services to over five million Palestinian refugees, UNRWA’s mission, he argued, is indispensable in alleviating suffering across Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.

However, he called for vigilance in ensuring the agency remains politically neutral and effective in its operations, warning against any efforts to undermine its mandate. “Weakening UNRWA’s ability to operate not only deprives vulnerable populations of essential support but risks eroding the broader framework of international law,” he cautioned.

The Path to Peace

Reiterating the Vatican’s unwavering support for a two-state solution, the Archbishop called for renewed efforts to establish lasting peace in the region. Quoting Pope Francis, he emphasized the need for Jerusalem to become a city of unity and mutual respect among Christians, Jews, and Muslims, protected by an internationally guaranteed status.

“True peace can only emerge when the walls of enmity and hatred are dismantled,” Caccia concluded, urging all nations to prioritize dialogue over violence.

Global Responsibility

The Archbishop’s address comes as the international community faces mounting pressure to respond to the deteriorating situation in Gaza. His words serve as both a moral challenge and a reminder that achieving peace requires not just an end to violence but a commitment to justice, dignity, and solidarity.

As the Holy See continues to advocate for the vulnerable and displaced, the global community is called to uphold the principles of humanity and compassion in one of the world’s most protracted conflicts.

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A Controversial Passage

In the book, Francis reflects on contemporary global conflicts, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While addressing broader themes of displacement and solidarity, he states:

“According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza bears the characteristics of a genocide. This must be examined closely to determine if it aligns with the technical definition established by international law.”

This statement, now making headlines worldwide, has prompted polarized reactions. It follows his acknowledgment of dire conditions in Gaza, where 2.3 million Palestinians face limited access to essential resources such as food, water, and medical care.

Criticism and Defense

The remarks were swiftly condemned by Israel’s ambassador to the Holy See and the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), who accused the Pope of inflammatory rhetoric. Critics argue that his words could exacerbate tensions in an already volatile situation.

However, proponents of the Pope’s position highlight a recent United Nations committee report that alleged Israel’s policies in Gaza may align with the characteristics of genocide. The report accuses Israel of using hunger as a weapon of war and enacting discriminatory practices in violation of international law.  

The Role of the Vatican

The Vatican has yet to officially comment on the inclusion of the controversial passage in the book. Published under the supervision of journalist Hernán Reyes Alcaide, the volume spans topics such as migration, climate change, technology, and peace. The process by which the Gaza-related remarks were included remains unclear, raising questions about whether they reflect official Vatican policy.

A Larger Context of Justice and Peace

This is not the first time Pope Francis has addressed Middle Eastern conflicts with a call for justice and humanitarian concern. In the book, he praises nations like Jordan and Lebanon for their openness to refugees and highlights the moral imperative of solidarity in the face of suffering.

The Pope’s emphasis on the need for investigation rather than outright condemnation aligns with his broader vision of reconciliation and accountability. Still, the diplomatic fallout underscores the complexities of addressing contentious geopolitical issues from a spiritual and moral platform.

Looking Ahead

The Pope’s remarks coincide with ongoing international scrutiny of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and a broader reckoning over the interpretation of genocide under international law. Whether his words will galvanize action or deepen divides remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, the Vatican’s silence on the matter leaves space for interpretation, fueling both hope and controversy as global leaders grapple with the implications of Francis’s provocative statement.

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The agreement, which refers to the Document on Human Fraternity (4 February 2019), the encyclical  Fratelli tutti (3 October 2020), and the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Bahrain (3-6 November 2022),  aims to strengthen the relations between the Vatican and the Kingdom of Bahrain, with the goal of  establishing and fostering a mutually beneficial cultural and scientific collaboration.

On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Dr. Majed bin Ali Alnoaimi, Bahrain’s Minister of  Public Affairs, will sign the cooperation agreement with H.E. Mons. Angelo Vincenzo Zani, Archivist and  Librarian of the Holy Roman Church. The agreement will focus on supporting the design and  implementation of an innovative module to be used during conservation work, the cataloging and  preservation of Arabic cultural heritage held at the Vatican Apostolic Library, and the organization of joint  projects aimed at promoting and disseminating this precious cultural heritage that the Library preserves.

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France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, had been set to visit the church complex—known as Eleona in French—but abruptly canceled after learning of the police intrusion, calling it “unacceptable.” France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded swiftly, declaring it would summon Israel’s ambassador to address what it described as a violation of diplomatic protocol.

The incident has added strain to an already tense relationship between France and Israel. French officials reported that Israeli authorities had been instructed not to enter the property before Barrot’s arrival, a directive that was disregarded. Witnesses on the scene described an altercation between the plain-clothed French gendarmes and Israeli security. According to reports, Israeli police pushed one gendarme to the ground as he attempted to identify himself, repeatedly shouting, “Do not touch me,” before being escorted to a police vehicle. Both gendarmes were released shortly after their identities were confirmed, but the disturbance left a sour note, with Barrot expressing concerns outside the church grounds.

Barrot’s diplomatic visit, which was intended to foster closer relations, has been overshadowed by the altercation. “This violation of a site under French stewardship risks undermining the diplomatic ties I came here to strengthen,” Barrot told reporters, visibly unsettled. France has long viewed its four church properties in Jerusalem as extensions of French sovereignty, and any breach of these sanctuaries is considered a serious matter.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs argued that the police intervention was a matter of security protocol, claiming that the French officers failed to identify themselves and attempted to obstruct the Shin Bet security personnel. However, French diplomats have rejected this version of events, alleging “false accusations” from Israeli authorities. Images released by AFP show Israeli officers cautioning the French security team to display identification in the future, with one of the gendarmes responding that the officers already knew of his diplomatic status.

The recent incident is not an isolated case. Tensions have flared in the past regarding French-administered properties in Jerusalem, often amid larger geopolitical disputes. In 2020, President Emmanuel Macron forcefully demanded that Israeli guards exit the French-controlled Church of Saint Anne. And back in 1996, President Jacques Chirac publicly scolded Israeli security for what he deemed “provocative” behavior during his visit.

Adding to this current diplomatic standoff, relations between France and Israel have deteriorated over France’s stance on arms exports to Israel. French President Emmanuel Macron recently advocated ending supplies of offensive weapons used in Gaza, citing humanitarian concerns. France has also signaled its disapproval of Israeli military actions in both Gaza and Lebanon, and, earlier this year, attempted to limit Israeli arms firms from showcasing their wares at a defense expo in Paris.

Barrot’s visit was initially planned to include talks on regional stability and peace-building efforts, especially in the wake of the recent U.S. elections. However, this latest incident is seen by some analysts as a setback for diplomatic engagement, raising questions about the potential for de-escalation in a highly polarized region.

As diplomatic channels remain open, Paris and Tel Aviv are under mounting pressure to address the incident, with France urging respect for its properties and Israel emphasizing security concerns. This complex situation continues to unfold, adding another chapter to the long history of tension surrounding foreign-administered sites in Jerusalem.

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Reflecting on Pope Paul VI’s appeal, Caccia noted, «Nearly sixty years later, as the world continues to grapple with armed conflicts and military ambitions, these words still stand as a poignant warning to all nations.» Emphasizing the collective responsibility enshrined in space treaties, he urged states to focus advancements in satellite technology and outer-space capabilities strictly on civilian use.

Highlighting the dangers posed by anti-satellite (ASAT) weaponry, Caccia pointed to their origins during the Cold War when both the United States and the Soviet Union conducted tests intended to disable satellites in Earth’s orbit. While the U.S. enacted a moratorium on ASAT testing in 2022, recent tests by China and Russia underscore the pressing need for international measures to curb weaponization in space.

The Holy See’s representative stressed the concerning lack of consensus within the international community regarding a universal ban on space-based weaponry. He argued that the UN’s Conference on Disarmament, set to take place in Italy this year, could serve as a pivotal forum to address these mounting threats. Monsignor Caccia highlighted that the principles guiding nuclear non-proliferation must also be extended to prevent an arms race in space—a development that could endanger the global peace and security framework.

Closing his statement, Caccia called on all UN member states to respect the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which mandates that “the Moon and other celestial bodies shall be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.” The Vatican’s message aligns with a growing international movement urging cooperative use of space for the benefit of all, even as geopolitical tensions bring militarization closer to the final frontier.

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Parolin expressed the Vatican’s desire that Trump «acts as a unifier» for an increasingly polarized America, aligning with the biblical principle that wisdom is the essential virtue for rulers. «He has a critical responsibility,» Parolin stated, «to be president of all Americans and to heal the divisions that are painfully clear.» In the same breath, he urged Trump to bring a stabilizing influence to the international stage, advocating for peace in regions troubled by war and conflict.

A Pragmatic Approach to Ending Wars

On Trump’s campaign promises to end wars, Parolin took a cautiously optimistic stance. Trump had vowed to end, not start, wars, which he reiterated after his victory in Palm Beach. Parolin acknowledged this ambition but added a dose of realism. “Ending wars requires humility, a steadfast will, and a focus on the common good over personal or national interests. It is a challenging road that cannot be walked alone,” he said.

Parolin recognized the need for a concrete approach to conflict resolution, particularly for regions like Ukraine and Palestine, where anxieties linger. «Many questions remain, especially for those fearing that peace may come at their expense. Only time will tell if Trump’s strategy can address these complexities.»

Vatican’s Plea for Humane Immigration Policy

The Cardinal also addressed Trump’s stance on immigration, particularly his pledge to deport illegal immigrants. Parolin emphasized that the Vatican’s approach to migration is clear and rooted in compassion. «Our position, in alignment with the Pope’s directives, advocates for a balanced policy—one that addresses the needs of migrants without resorting to drastic measures. We believe in a humane approach that respects dignity.»

Parolin underscored that effective migration policy is crucial for justice and stability. He reiterated the Pope’s message that any successful solution must be grounded in empathy and thoughtful management, fostering integration rather than alienation.

Building Consensus on Life Issues

Parolin acknowledged that Trump’s presidency might also present areas of shared values, especially on issues related to life and abortion. While Trump’s commitment to pro-life policies aligns with some Catholic teachings, Parolin urged a collaborative approach. «Advocacy for life should not become another divisive topic,» he said. «We hope it can instead gather broad support and transcend polarization.»

Stable Vatican-U.S. Relations and Ongoing Dialogue with China

Looking ahead, Parolin expressed optimism for continued Vatican-U.S. relations, pointing to past interactions with Trump’s previous administration as a model for constructive dialogue. «There will be issues where we align and others where we diverge. The goal is to find common ground for the good of all.»

Parolin also addressed questions about the Vatican’s relationship with China, which continues under a renewed agreement on bishop appointments. While former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had criticized the arrangement, Parolin affirmed that the Vatican’s engagement with China remains «ecclesial, not political,» and driven by the goal of building trust step by step.

This commitment to diplomacy, Parolin stressed, remains central to the Vatican’s global mission, focused not on power but on building bridges that benefit people on all sides. With Trump’s new term set to begin, the Vatican looks toward a future of collaboration, grounded in shared values, respect, and a drive for peace.

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Pope Paul VI agreed with the proposal and the Vatican was incorporated in the global organization. He wanted to maintain the Holy See’s neutrality in the political world and opted for the status of Permanent Observer. The Vatican’s first Permanent Observer at the UN was Monsignor Alberto Giovanetti, who held the post from April 6, 1964 until 1973.

On Monday, September 30, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, celebrated a thanksgiving Mass for the 60th Anniversary of the Holy See’s presence as Observer State at the United Nations. The Mass was held in the Holy Family church in Manhattan, New York, a few blocks from the United Nations’ headquarters.

Concelebrating with Cardinal Parolin were Archbishop Gabriele Giordana Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio and current Permanent Observer, together with some members of the clergy of the Archdiocese of New York. 250 UN diplomats and observers attended the Mas, as well as staff members and relatives, friends of the Holy See’s Permanent Observation Mission and Catholic faithful.

Cardinal Parolin said that “To be a Christian implies promoting the dignity of brothers, to fight for it and to live for it. In fact in this logic of service to the littlest and to the voiceless is found the reason for the Holy See’s presence at the level of international community.”

He stressed the Church’s defense of social justice and economic  development, the protection of the environment, care of the defenseless and forgotten, human dignity, human rights and “especially the most fundamental right of all: the right to life.”

“If we want to follow Jesus, we must follow the way He Himself traced,” said the Cardinal, as that way is “the way of service.” He pointed out that “we are [here] to serve those that need to receive and cannot give anything in return. When we welcome the marginalized and the abandoned, we welcome Jesus, because He is there.”

The Cardinal quoted Saint Paul VI, the first Pope that visited the United Nations and addressed the General Assembly, on October 4, 1965: “The Holy See’s Mission offers the wisdom of the Church as expert in humanity,” he said.

Cardinal Parolin’s address was followed by a reception in which he reiterated that, in a world “ever more fragmented by narrow interests, we must remember that we are all members of one human family. Hence, we renew our commitment to the vision of a world where peace, justice and human dignity are not mere aspirations but lived realities for all.”

On September 28, Cardinal Parolin addressed the 79th UN General  Assembly, where he expressed the Holy See’s concern over the increase and gravity of conflicts in the world. He suggested the commitment of all countries to  peace and that Members of the United Nations recover the Organization’s fundamental values.

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The Ad Decimum catacombs are a subterranean cemetery of Rome, used from the 3rd to the 5th century, which has many frescoes with a Christian theme. They are located in an area of the capital that goes from Saint Sebastian’s Basilica to the Circus of Maxentius, in a depression that was a pozzolana [a type of porous volcanic ash] quarry, transformed eventually by Christians into a subterranean cemetery. It has five galleries with some 1,000 buried bodies: 90% of the niches are still sealed, preserving the original remains. 

Up to the end of the 1990s, it was possible to see the remains deposited in the destroyed niches; however, the bones have been moved to avoid their theft by disrespectful visitors. The stolen piece has as an inscription engraved in Greek, which is especially valuable as it mentions one of the oldest with Christ’s name. 

The Police Forces of Italy and the Low Countries recovered the work in a joint operation, and found it in November 2023. It was taken to the National Museum of Utrecht for safekeeping before organizing its return to the Vatican. It was handed over in the catacombs near Grottaferrata, some 20 kilometers from Rome, attended by Representatives of the Vatican, Italy and the Low Countries. 

The international cooperation for the return and protection of the cultural patrimony, shows the joint effort to preserve Christian history. The Roman catacombs are managed by the Holy See and other religious and cultural institutions. 

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This new accord—comprised of 16 articles—seeks to enhance the framework for cooperation between the Czech government and the Catholic Church in areas affecting Czech citizens’ spiritual, cultural, and social welfare. Reflecting the principles outlined in “Dignitatis Humanae”, the Vatican II declaration on religious freedom, the agreement reaffirms religious liberty as a fundamental right, extending this right to all citizens, not solely Catholics.

Freedom of Worship and Religious Autonomy at the Heart of the Accord

The agreement addresses several critical aspects of religious freedom. First, it underscores the Czech government’s recognition of the Catholic Church’s autonomy in religious affairs, including the unrestricted right to appoint clergy, establish religious entities, and provide pastoral care within social, healthcare, and correctional facilities. Additionally, it guarantees the Church’s right to preserve the confidentiality of the sacramental seal and of confidential conversations within its pastoral roles—an important affirmation of privacy rights for the faithful.

One of the agreement’s standout components is its explicit support for the Church’s right to conscientious objection, a clause that upholds the rights of individuals to abstain from military or healthcare services based on moral or religious beliefs. This provision is especially significant in its application to the realms of compulsory service and medical ethics, signaling a clear stance on respecting individual conscience in areas of moral complexity. 

Cultural and Educational Commitments

The new treaty also reaffirms the Church’s freedom to establish educational and charitable organizations, promoting a cooperative approach to education and humanitarian support in the Czech Republic. This not only facilitates the Church’s educational mission but also bolsters the state’s support in areas of shared social responsibility, including care for vulnerable populations. Through this agreement, the Czech Republic and the Holy See signal a commitment to fostering values-based education and support services. 

Promoting a Legacy of Cooperation and Mutual Respect

In a broader sense, this treaty strengthens the legal and social position of the Catholic Church within the Czech Republic by establishing a standardized framework for its operations and interactions with the state. Aiming to support religious freedom and cooperation, the agreement lays out regulations for worship, stipulating that any restrictions can only be applied by law and solely to the degree necessary to maintain public order, health, or the rights of others.

While the accord is a milestone in Church-State relations, it also honors the Czech Republic’s longstanding values of tolerance and respect for individual freedoms. The agreement must now proceed through ratification by both the Vatican and the Czech Parliament, after which it will take effect on the first day of the month following the formal exchange of ratification documents.

As both parties look toward a future of cooperative engagement, this landmark accord reflects a shared commitment to values of respect, freedom, and mutual support—principles that will serve to guide Church-State relations in the Czech Republic for years to come.

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This agreement, first hailed as historic, allowed for all bishops in China to be in full communion with the Pope—a significant shift after decades of division, during which many Chinese bishops were appointed without Vatican approval. The latest renewal underscores the continuation of this effort, which has already seen the appointment and consecration of several bishops in the country under mutual consent. 

The Road to a Constructive Dialogue

In the official joint statement, both the Vatican and Beijing emphasized their intention to maintain a «respectful and constructive» dialogue. The Vatican sees this renewal as crucial for ensuring the stability and future of the Catholic Church in China. By promoting cooperation, the agreement is seen as a way to enhance not just Church governance, but also the well-being of the broader Chinese population.

«The Holy See and the People’s Republic of China, in light of the consensus achieved for the fruitful implementation of the Provisional Agreement on the appointment of bishops, have agreed after proper consultations to extend its validity for another four years,» the statement read. It further added that the Vatican remains focused on fostering bilateral relations «for the good of the Catholic Church in the country and the entire Chinese people.»

This commitment to constructive engagement highlights the Vatican’s delicate balancing act—pursuing its mission in a country where religious practice is tightly regulated, while maintaining the independence of Church decisions. 

A New Era for the Catholic Church in China

Since the agreement was first signed in 2018, it has transformed the Church’s position within China. Before the deal, episcopal appointments were often made without the Vatican’s approval, leading to a fractured leadership. Now, with the renewed framework in place, the Church has seen the appointment of more than ten bishops with the consent of both Rome and Beijing. Additionally, several bishops who had previously been in irregular standing with the Vatican have been officially recognized by both sides.

This new atmosphere of collaboration has also facilitated greater Chinese participation in the global Catholic community. Chinese bishops, previously excluded from official Vatican gatherings, now attend Synods in Rome and other significant Church events across Europe and the Americas. Additionally, young Chinese Catholics were notably present at last year’s World Youth Day in Lisbon, further signaling a growing openness and involvement in the international Church.

Pope Francis’ recent apostolic trips to Asia, where Chinese faithful participated openly, is another testament to this shift. The presence of Chinese Catholics in global religious events indicates that, despite the complexities of the relationship, the Catholic community in China is eager to be a part of the broader Church.

Challenges and Criticism

Despite these advancements, the agreement remains a point of contention both within and outside the Church. Critics, including some within the Vatican, argue that the deal gives the Chinese government too much control over Church matters, particularly in a country where religious freedom remains a sensitive issue. Others have expressed concerns about the treatment of underground Catholic communities that remain loyal to the Vatican but do not have official recognition from the Chinese government.

While the Vatican has stressed that the agreement focuses solely on the issue of episcopal appointments, leaving broader questions of religious freedom unaddressed, it is clear that this renewal is part of a broader strategy. Pope Francis, who has consistently emphasized dialogue and diplomacy, sees this as a long-term process of building trust and securing the future of the Catholic Church in China. 

Looking Forward: Continued Cooperation

With the agreement now extended until 2028, the next four years will be critical for the future of Catholicism in China. The Holy See hopes that the ongoing dialogue will not only lead to more bishop appointments under mutual consent but also allow for greater religious freedom and pastoral care for China’s estimated 12 million Catholics.

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