Israel tones down criticism of Vatican’s Gaza remarks
Vatican City Reuters Israel on Thursday toned down its criticism of the Vatican, saying that remarks by Pope Francis’ deputy on the killings in Gaza were “regrettable” rather than “deplorable”. Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin had said on Tuesday that Israel’s military response to the Hamas militant group was disproportionate and caused “carnage”. Cardinal […]
Israeli embassy protests after Vatican denounces Gaza “carnage”
Vatican City Reuters Israel protested with the Vatican on Wednesday after Pope Francis’ deputy defined what is happening in Gaza as “carnage” resulting from a disproportionate Israeli military response to Hamas. “It is a deplorable statement. Judging the legitimacy of a war without taking into account all relevant circumstances and data inevitably leads to wrong […]
US report lists “significant human rights” abuses in India
Washington DC, US Reuters The annual US report on human rights practices released on Monday listed “significant human rights issues” and abuses in India, including reported targeting of religious minorities, dissidents and journalists, the US State Department said. The findings come nearly a year after Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US was monitoring […]
Vatican minister visits Ukraine as Pope toes delicate line
Vatican CityAP The Vatican’s foreign minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, is heading to Kyiv this week as the Holy See seeks to balance its concern for Ukrainians with its efforts to keep open a channel of dialogue with Russia. Gallagher is due to arrive Wednesday and meet Friday with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, a visit […]
Vatican number two says giving Ukraine weapons legitimate, with conditions
Rome, ItalyReuters The Vatican’s number two said on Friday that supplying weapons to Ukraine to help it defend itself against Russian aggression is morally legitimate under certain conditions, citing the Catholic Church’s teaching on “just war”. Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin spoke to reporters on the sidelines of a conference in Rome, as the […]
Vatican preparing for possibility of women Swiss Guards
Vatican City Reuters The new barracks of the Vatican Swiss guards will be built to accommodate female members if Pope Francis or his successors allow women to join the elite and colourfully dressed force. Officials of the Swiss foundation that is raising the estimated 45 million Swiss francs ($US46 million) to replace the current 150-year-old […]
Vatican tells Moscow armed attacks in Ukraine must stop
Vatican CityReuters The Vatican’s Secretary of State told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in a phone call on Tuesday that the Holy See wants armed attacks in Ukraine to stop and humanitarian corridors to be guaranteed. A Vatican statement said Cardinal Pietro Parolin also repeated the Vatican’s willingness “to do anything” to help bring about […]
Vatican number two and deputy both positive for COVID
Vatican CityAP The Vatican Secretary of State and his deputy have both tested positive for the coronavirus, Vatican officials said Tuesday. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin smiles during a meeting at the Bellevue palace in Berlin, Germany on 29th June, 2021. PICTURE: AP Photo/Michael Sohn/File photo. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who serves as the Vatican’s […]
Blinken visit to Pope will reset US-Vatican ties after Trump years
Vatican CityReuters The last time a US Secretary of State visited the Vatican, the diplomatic sparks flew and Pope Francis declined to receive Mike Pompeo. When Antony Blinken meets the Pope and top Vatican officials on Monday, the new Secretary of State’s visit will put relations between Washington and Holy See on a new footing. […]
Blinken discusses Gaza in calls with Qatari, Egyptian, Saudi foreign ministers
Cairo, EgyptReuters US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the violence in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza in phone calls with the Qatari, Egyptian and Saudi foreign ministers, the State Department said on Sunday. Blinken and Qatar’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani discussed “efforts to restore calm in Israel and the West Bank and […]