Cardinal Parolin: avoid revenge motive in response to terrorism
November 16, 2015
The Vatican’s Secretary of State acknowledged the right of nations to use force in self-defense, but cautioned against the impulse to revenge in the wake of terrorist attacks in Paris.
In an interview with the French daily La Croix, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said that a government has the right to use military power “to protect its citizen and repel terrorists.” He declined to indicate what sort of response the Vatican would support, however, saying that the role of the Church is to recall the conditions for justice in warfare, “not to specify means to stop the aggressor.”
At the same time, Cardinal Parolin said that Europeans should fight the impulse to revenge. To fight against hatred requires a willingness to show love for others, he said. Referring to the goal of Pope Francis for the Jubilee Year, he said: “Now is the right time to launch an offensive of mercy.”
Cardinal Parolin said that the Vatican realizes it could be a target for terrorists. But he said while security has been tightened, that the threat of terror does not influence policy decisions. “These events don’t change the Pope’s agenda at all,” he said.
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Further information:
- Top Vatican diplomat backs use of force in wake of Paris attacks (Crux)
- ‘Offensive of Mercy’: Cardinal Parolin on Paris attacks (Vatican Radio)
- Pope's agenda not changing after Paris attacks says Parolin (ANSA)
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