The Vatican secretary of state backs U.S. bishops after deadly ICE operations, urges nonviolence, and flags concerns over Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace.”
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope's secretary of state, on January 28 condemned “any kind of violence,” describing recent events in Minneapolis as “unacceptable,” after U.S. immigration operations there led to the deaths of two American citizens.
Speaking to journalists at Rome’s LUMSA University on the sidelines of a conference on ethics and economics, Cardinal Parolin said the Holy See’s position was clear and consistent. “The position of the Holy See is always to avoid any kind of violence,” he said. “We cannot accept episodes of this kind. Difficulties, problems, and contradictions are resolved in another way.”
He added that his remarks were in line with statements already made by U.S. bishops, who have also criticized the situation surrounding immigration enforcement operations carried out by ICE in Minnesota.
Asked about plans that ICE teams could also be deployed in Italy during the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics next month, Cardinal Parolin acknowledged the reports but declined to comment further.
“I have read the news, but there is controversy around it. Let’s not enter into polemics,” he said.
The Vatican’s second-ranking official also addressed questions about the proposed “Board of Peace” established by U.S. President Donald Trump, intended to contribute to stabilization efforts in the Middle East, including the reconstruction of Gaza. The initiative has drawn criticism from several groups, including a network calling itself “priests against genocide,” which urged the Holy See not to take part.
This came after Trump invited Pope Leo to be a part of the Board and Cardinal Parolin spoke of the Vatican as "evaluating" the offer.
The cardinal said he understood these concerns and confirmed that the Vatican had not yet taken a decision. “There are clearly some critical points that need to be taken into consideration,” he said. “The response has not yet been given, but the problematic aspects of this plan cannot be forgotten.”
Turning to diplomacy, Cardinal Parolin spoke about recent discussions in Denmark concerning Greenland. Returning from his own visit linked to celebrations of St. Ansgar, he confirmed meeting Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, who briefed him on talks with Washington.
“He spoke to me about his contacts in Washington, which were very much appreciated,” the cardinal said, adding that Danish public opinion had responded positively to the positions taken. “Without entering into details, it seems we are moving toward a solution, toward an agreement,” he said, while noting that the precise terms remain unclear.
