Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, expressed support for the resolution of humanitarian issues and readiness to continue efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Ukrainian people and return prisoners and children to Ukraine. He said this in a video message to the participants of a meeting on President Volodymyr Zelensky's peace plan and the achievement of peace in Ukraine, which took place in Malta, Vatican News reports.


Commenting on this initiative, the previous rounds of which were held in Copenhagen and Jeddah, Cardinal Parolin noted that this demonstrates the importance and support for the initiative, which aims to address acute problems. He also condemns the use of weapons as a tool in conflict resolution.


"After all, this is exactly the fundamental truth that the Holy See has repeatedly proclaimed in the face of the wars that have torn the world apart in the most recent periods of history. Pope Francis has renewed the call for peace with unprecedented persistence, both in his countless speeches and through his actions in support of Ukraine," Cardinal Parolin recalled, noting that the participation of representatives of numerous states and international organizations shows that "we have not accepted the tragedy that is unfolding before our eyes and that we have the courage to face it."


Noting that many international actors are making efforts to ensure that "Ukraine is able to defend the integrity of its territory, to provide its citizens with security and the necessities of life, and to achieve the desired peace," Cardinal Parolin regretfully acknowledged that this is still far from being achieved.


Therefore, he said, even greater and more creative "efforts at all levels" are needed to overcome obstacles and open paths that seem unacceptable or impossible.


It is important to note that this support from the Vatican is intended to contribute to humanitarian issues and peace in Ukraine without interfering with political decisions.