Vatican secretary of state urges end to Iran war, warns of escalation

Cardinal Pietro Parolin urged an immediate halt to escalating conflict involving Iran, warning that the risk of a broader war in the Middle East is imminent and calling on world leaders to pursue dialogue and diplomacy instead of military action.

Speaking March 19 to journalists at the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Parolin said that if he were to meet Donald Trump, he would urge him “to stop as soon as possible, because the danger of escalation is imminent.” He added that the same appeal “should also be addressed to the Israelis,” encouraging them to seek “peaceful solutions.”

The cardinal also called for Lebanon to be “left in peace” and stressed that the urgent priority is “to truly try to resolve problems — whether real or perceived — through the peaceful means of diplomacy and dialogue.”

However, he acknowledged that amid the “dramatic events inflaming” one of the world’s most complex regions, there are currently no signs of de-escalation.

Parolin made the remarks during a book presentation on Pope Leo XIV titled “Leo XIV: Who Do You Say That I Am? I Am a Son of St. Augustine.”

He also reflected on the communication style of Pope Leo XIV, describing it as “disarmed and disarming,” measured in tone and content in contrast to a world where “the loudest voice often prevails.”

Addressing comparisons with Pope Francis, Parolin said each pope exercises the Petrine ministry in a unique way while maintaining continuity in the Church guided by the Holy Spirit.

He emphasized that Leo XIV’s repeated calls for peace — delivered “with serene and firm insistence every Sunday” — invite the world to “lay down arms” and abandon the “logic of profit, national interests, and power groups.”

Parolin highlighted “listening” as a central element of the current pontificate, describing it as a “great lesson” both within and beyond the Church. He said the pope’s vision of a “disarmed and disarming peace” continues the teaching of modern popes from Benedict XV to Paul VI.

Warning of growing global instability fueled by rising military spending and power-based international relations that disregard international law, Parolin said the pope instead proposes “listening, dialogue, and love” as the path forward.

He also pointed to the challenge of unity within the Church amid tensions, noting that Leo XIV promotes “patient dialogue” to preserve communion.

Finally, Parolin underscored the pope’s “synodal style” of governance, marked by shared decision-making and an understanding of authority as service. “It is not a weak form of primacy,” he said, but rather an expression of participation and co-responsibility.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News, and has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.