Peacekeeping tops humanitarian agenda, Vatican Secretary of State tells UN forum

May 24, 2016

Cardinal Pietro Parolin stressed the primary importance of preventing warfare in a pair of addresses to the World Humanitarian Summit.

"Prevention of armed conflicts is possible," the Vatican Secretary of State insisted. "It is not a dream, nor an illusion. Regions enjoying peace, security, and an absence of armed conflicts are proof of this claim."

In an introductory address to the meeting, which is being held this week in Istanbul, Cardinal Parolin underlined the support of Pope Francis for the Humanitarian Summit, describing it as an initiative that 'transcends politics." He spoke of the Pontiff's hope that the UN meeting will lead to "a common commitment, which can decisively eliminate the culture of waste and disregard for human life, so that no one will be neglected or forgotten, and that no further lives will be sacrificed due to the lack of resources and, above all, the lack of political will."

Later, speaking at a forum on the prevent of armed conflict, the cardinal observed that "nothing is more important than preventing and ending hostilites. He told the summit participants that the Holy See was committed to diplomatic efforts to promote peace and solidarity; education for peace and coexistence, and collective work to respond to humanitarian crises. 

 

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Further information:

• Cardinal Parolin at the First World Humanitarian Summit (Vatican press office)
• Preventing and ending conflicts is the main aim of the international community (Vatican press office)