Vatican Pleads for Peace: “Iran, Do Not Strike Israel”

The Vatican has made a direct appeal to Iran, urging restraint amidst the escalating violence in the Middle East. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state, contacted Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier this week, expressing deep concern over the spiraling conflict. Parolin emphasized the importance of avoiding further violence, calling for dialogue, negotiation, and peace instead of widening the already severe conflict.

This plea comes after Israel’s recent assassination of senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Haniyeh, who was in the Iranian capital for President Pezeshkian's inauguration, was killed just hours after an Israeli airstrike took out Fuad Shukr, a top Hezbollah military commander, in Beirut. The killings have significantly escalated tensions in the region, with President Pezeshkian vowing that the attack “will not go unanswered.”

Cardinal Parolin’s intervention echoes the sentiments expressed by Pope Francis, who voiced his grave concern over the situation. The Pope called for an “immediate ceasefire on all fronts,” highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. His plea reflects the Vatican’s deep unease over the potential for the conflict to spread further.

Meanwhile, Hamas has refused to attend ceasefire talks scheduled for Thursday, insisting on a clear commitment from Israel before returning to negotiations. Christian journalist Paul Calvert, based in Bethlehem, noted the difficulty of the situation, citing Iran's cultural emphasis on revenge and the potential delay in any immediate retaliation as Iran watches the unfolding ceasefire discussions.