Salvatore Cernuzio – Vatican
Journalists asked Cardinal Parolin about renewed attacks by United States President Donald Trump on the Pope. “Attacking him in this way or criticizing what he does seems to me at least a bit strange,” said the Cardinal.
Trump’s words came a few days before the scheduled audience in the Vatican on Thursday, May 7, with US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. Cardinal Parolin presented a book published by Libreria Editrice Vaticana, “Robert Francis Prevost. Liberi sotto la grazia,” this afternoon, but first he stopped to answer questions from journalists who asked for clarification, especially regarding Trump’s statement, according to which the Pope allegedly accepts the fact that Iran may possess nuclear weapons, thereby endangering thousands of Catholics.
“The Pope fulfills his role”
Cardinal Parolin responded with the same words that Leo XIV spoke on Tuesday evening in Castel Gandolfo: “The truth must be told.” The US president’s statement “is certainly not accurate, in the sense that the Holy See has always acted and continues to act precisely for nuclear disarmament… it has spoken out and promoted this agreement, which concerns the legality of possessing nuclear weapons.” So, it is a very clear position on this matter.
The Cardinal did not go into detail regarding the repeated attacks by the US president, which began on April 13, the day Leo XIV arrived in Africa. “I would not like to make judgments or personal opinions on this matter. I believe the Pope is doing what he should: the Pope is the Pope,” emphasized Cardinal Parolin.
Meeting with Rubio
Regarding the Pope’s audience with Rubio, which the Secretary of State himself will also attend, the Cardinal explained that first and foremost, “we will listen to him, because they initiated this.” Then, “we will address everything that has happened in recent days. It is impossible not to touch upon these topics.” In general, as always during meetings with political figures, “topics of international politics, and above all conflicts,” issues such as Latin America and probably also the Cuban issue, will be discussed. In short, the Cardinal explained, “all the hottest topics.”
There will be no additional proposals from the Holy See regarding the resolution of the conflict in Iran, beyond those that have always existed. Namely – dialogue. “These conflicts cannot be resolved by force, but must be considered and resolved through negotiations. Let these be negotiations conducted in good faith, sincere, so that all parties can express their point of view and find common ground,” stated Cardinal Parolin.
The United States remains a dialogue partner
“How can one ignore the United States? It is impossible to ignore the United States. Despite certain difficulties, they certainly remain a dialogue partner for the Holy See. Also because they play a role in almost all situations we face today,” said the Vatican Secretary of State.
Cardinal Parolin then showed openness to possible changes in relations with the American administration. “Currently, it is too early” to say whether there will be a phone call between the Pope and Trump, emphasized the Secretary of State. “The Holy Father is open to all options, he has never backed down from anyone. So, if there were a proposal or a request for direct dialogue with President Trump, I believe he would have no difficulty in accepting it.”
Discussions with German bishops
According to the Cardinal, it is premature to anticipate an intervention by the Holy See regarding the German bishops on the issue of blessing same-sex couples. Currently, a “dialogue” is underway: “We will see what happens.” The decision rests with the Pope: “However, we have been in dialogue for quite some time, in which everyone presents their position.” According to the Secretary of State, it is possible to “find a compromise” that takes into account different opinions, also on the issue of synodality, namely, “that every decision must be in accordance with canon law, with the Second Vatican Council, and with the tradition of the Church.” The hope is “that there will never be sanctions, that problems can be resolved peacefully, as it should be in the Church.”
