VATICAN CITY — The Vatican is ready to facilitate negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.
“The only reasonable and constructive way to settle differences is through dialogue, as Pope Francis never tires of repeating,” he said.
“The Holy See, which in recent years has followed the events in Ukraine constantly, discreetly and with great attention, offering its willingness to facilitate dialogue with Russia, is always ready to help the parties to resume that path,” said the cardinal.
In a joint interview with four Italian newspapers Feb. 28, Cardinal Parolin said, “Although what we feared and hoped would not happen has happened – the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine – I am convinced that there is always room for negotiation. It is never too late!”
He reiterated the same appeal he said Pope Francis made during his visit to the Russian ambassador to the Holy See Feb. 25, “stop the fighting and return to negotiations.”
“First and foremost, the military attack, the tragic consequences of which we have all already witnessed, must be stopped immediately,” the cardinal said.
“Communication and listening to each other is necessary in order to fully know and understand the reasons of others,” he said. “When people stop communicating and listening sincerely to each other, they look at each other with suspicion and end up exchanging only mutual accusations.”
He said, “this mutual deafness” has led to open conflict.
“The aspirations of each country and their legitimacy must be the subject of a common reflection, in a broader context and, above all, taking into account the choices of citizens and respecting international law,” he said.
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