NEWNow you can take heed to Fox Information articles!
The Vatican’s top diplomat on Monday condemned each Hamas’ “inhuman and indefensible” Oct. 7 assaults and Israel’s “ongoing bloodbath” in Gaza, warning that even reputable self-defense can not justify the destruction of a “largely defenseless inhabitants.”
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state and one in every of Pope Leo XIV’s advisers, spoke in an interview marking the second anniversary of Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault on Israel — a raid that killed about 1,200 individuals and noticed 251 individuals taken hostage.
Parolin mentioned Israel’s military response has stretched far past the bounds of proportionality, turning Gaza’s crowded neighborhoods into ruins.
“The battle waged by the Israeli military to eradicate Hamas militants disregards the truth that it’s concentrating on a largely defenseless inhabitants, already pushed to the brink, in an space the place buildings and houses are decreased to rubble,” he instructed Vatican media.
THE UN’S BETRAYAL AND ISRAEL’S FIGHT FOR TRUTH
Cardinal Pietro Parolin condemned the Oct. 7 assault by Hamas on Israel, whereas additionally calling the present battle between the 2, Israel’s “ongoing bloodbath,” on Oct. 6, 2025. (Stefano Carofei /IPA/Sipa/IMAGN)
“Those that are attacked have a proper to defend themselves,” he mentioned, “however even reputable protection should respect the precept of proportionality.”
Reuters reported that Hamas-run Gaza well being authorities declare Israel’s marketing campaign has resulted in over 67,000 deaths in Gaza, principally civilians.
The remarks rank among the many Church’s sharpest rebukes of the battle. Additionally they mark a shift towards a extra forceful Vatican voice below Leo, who succeeded Pope Francis in Could.
Parolin additionally faulted international powers for his or her paralysis.
DNC SUMMER MEETING DERAILED AFTER TENSIONS FLARE OVER DUELING RESOLUTIONS: ‘LOSING OUR FUTURE’
A Gazan household walks close to the rubble of buildings throughout the Eid al-Adha vacation, in Gaza Metropolis, June 6, 2025. (Mahmoud Issa/Reuters)
“It’s… clear that the worldwide neighborhood is, sadly, powerless and that the nations really able to exerting affect have up to now did not act to cease the continuing bloodbath,” he mentioned.
“I can solely repeat the very clear phrases spoken by Pope Leo on July 20: ‘I renew my enchantment to the worldwide neighborhood to watch humanitarian legislation and to respect the duty to guard civilians, in addition to the prohibition of collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of drive and the compelled displacement of the inhabitants.’”
Parolin went additional, questioning the morality of arms gross sales to events within the battle.
Pope Leo XIV delivers his blessing to the devoted on the finish of his weekly normal viewers within the Paul VI corridor on the Vatican, on Aug. 27, 2025. (Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu by way of Getty Pictures)
“It’s not sufficient to say that what is going on is unacceptable after which proceed to permit it to occur,” he mentioned.
“We should significantly ask ourselves in regards to the legitimacy… of continuous to provide weapons which are being used against civilians.”
In July, Pope Leo XIV expressed disappointment and referred to as for a ceasefire after Gaza’s solely Catholic Church was hit in an obvious Israeli strike, leaving not less than two useless and a number of other injured. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later mentioned “stray ammunition” hit the church.
Parolin’s warning lands as European leaders face rising strain to do greater than difficulty statements of concern. His use of “bloodbath” echoed humanitarian teams that say Gaza’s civilian infrastructure has collapsed.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
On the similar time, he reiterated the Church’s demand that Hamas free all remaining hostages.
“Those attacks had been inhuman and indefensible,” he mentioned, underscoring that neither aspect’s struggling diminishes the opposite’s.
Fox Information Digital has reached out to the Vatican on the matter.
Reuters contributed to this report.
