The Vatican is ready to facilitate negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said yesterday.  Source NCR Online

“The only reasonable and constructive way to settle differences is through dialogue, as Pope Francis never tires of repeating,” Cardinal Parolin 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,” he said.

In a joint interview with four Italian newspapers yesterday, 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 on Friday, “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.

Despite their divisions, both the Orthodox and Catholic churches “agree in expressing grave concern about the situation and in affirming that, apart from any other consideration, the values of peace and human life are what is truly at the heart of the churches, which can play a fundamental role in preventing the situation from worsening further.”

FULL STORY

Vatican cardinal offers to help mediate between Ukraine, Russia (By Carol Glatz, CNS via NCR Online)

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