Vatican Diplomat Calls Israel’s Gaza Offensive an 'Ongoing Massacre'
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, said in an Oct. 6, 2025 interview that while Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks were 'inhuman and indefensible,' Israel’s military response has become an 'ongoing massacre' that targets a largely defenseless population in Gaza. Parolin warned that even legitimate self‑defense must respect proportionality, reiterated the Church’s demand that Hamas free remaining hostages, and urged the international community to reconsider continued arms supplies to parties using force against civilians.
International
War & Conflict
📌 Key Facts
- Speaker: Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state (one of Pope Leo XIV's top advisers).
- Date/location: Remarks made Oct. 6, 2025 in a Vatican media interview marking the second anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks.
- Quote: Parolin called Israel’s offensive an 'ongoing massacre' and said 'even legitimate defense must respect the principle of proportionality.'
- Policy implication: Parolin questioned the legitimacy of continuing arms sales to actors using force against civilians.
- Context/data: Article cites Reuters reporting that Gaza health authorities place Gaza deaths at over 67,000 (figure attributed to Hamas‑run authorities).
📚 Contextual Background
- Israel enforces a naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.