Holy See supports, doesn’t sign Ukraine Peace Conference document

Although in line with its general praxis the Vatican delegation didn’t sign the final communiqué of the Ukraine Peace Conference, but Cardinal Parolin expressed the Pope’s support for its principles.

"In the face of war and its tragic consequences, it is important never to give up, but to continue to seek ways to end the conflict with good intentions, trust and creativity," said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, at the Ukraine Peace Conference held in Switzerland on June 15 and 16, 2024.

While expressing its support, the pontifical delegation did not sign the final communiqué, in line with "the praxis of not signing joint statements" due to the "very nature of the Holy See," which is a mere observer at international meetings and not a stakeholder.

The summit was co-hosted by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, and the President of the Swiss Confederation, Viola Amherd.

Held in the absence of Russia and China, it resulted in a communiqué calling for support for Ukraine's "territorial integrity," but 12 countries abstained, including India, Brazil, Mexico, Armenia, and South Africa, all countries committed to maintaining good relations with Russia.

In his speech, Cardinal Parolin praised the attitude of Ukraine, which, "while making enormous efforts to defend itself from aggression, has also worked continuously on the diplomatic front, eager to achieve a just and lasting peace."

He observed, in line with Pope Francis' recurrent appeals, that "the only means capable of achieving true, stable and just peace is dialogue between all the parties involved." 

Explaining that the Holy See was taking part in the meeting "as an observer, paying particular attention to the respect for international law," Cardinal Parolin expressed his support for the "fundamental principle of respect for the sovereignty of each country and the integrity of its territory."

Cardinal Parolin also called for the return of Ukrainian children to their families, insisting that "any exploitation of their situation is unacceptable."

He explained that the Holy See "maintains direct contact with the Ukrainian and Russian authorities in order to strengthen the effectiveness of the ad hoc mechanism created following the visit of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi to Kyiv and Moscow, with a view to resolving concrete cases."

He also said that contacts with both sides of the conflict were being maintained to support prisoners, with concerns over reports of violations of the Geneva Convention.

Cardinal Parolin noted with regret "the difficulty of creating, together with the International Red Cross Committee, a Joint Medical Commission that could assess the situation of prisoners of war in need of urgent medical care."

"Despite all the challenges, the Holy See remains committed to maintaining regular communication with the Ukrainian and Russian authorities, and remains prepared to assist in the implementation of potential mediation initiatives," he explained, inviting the international community to remain mobilized in humanitarian and political support.

"On behalf of Pope Francis, I wish to confirm his personal closeness to the tormented Ukrainian people and his unwavering commitment to peace," he concluded, though some of the Pope's statements in favor of an end to the fighting have been poorly received in Ukraine.

Last week, the Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, reiterated the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations with Russia. At a reception held at the Russian Embassy to the Holy See, he explained that isolating one of the players in the conflict could not be an effective diplomatic strategy.

A total of 92 countries were represented at the summit, some of them directly by their leaders: French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and US Vice President Kamala Harris took part in the conference. 

In addition to Cardinal Parolin, the Papal delegation included the Apostolic Nuncio to Switzerland, Archbishop Martin Krebs, and Msgr. Paul Butnaru, official of the Secretariat of State's Section for Relations with States and International Organizations.

The summit was also attended by the Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I.

On the eve of the international conference, Pope Francis met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the G7 summit near Bari. During their meeting, President Zelensky thanked the Pope "for his prayers for peace in Ukraine" and for his "spiritual closeness" to his people, as well as for the humanitarian aid provided by the Vatican.