On Monday, the Vatican’s senior diplomat condemned both Hamas’ “inhuman and indefensible” October 7 attacks and Israel’s “ongoing massacre” in Gaza, cautioning that even justifiable self-defense does not warrant the devastation of a “largely defenseless population.”
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state and a close adviser to Pope Leo XIV, delivered his comments in an interview that marked the second anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 assault on Israel — an incursion that resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 individuals being taken captive.
Parolin indicated that the military action has gone well beyond proportional limits, leaving Gaza’s packed districts in ruins.
“The military campaign conducted by the Israeli army to eliminate Hamas militants overlooks the reality that it is targeting a largely defenseless populace, already driven to the brink, within a region where structures and residences have been decimated,” he informed Vatican media.
“Individuals under attack possess the right to self-defense,” he noted, “yet even justifiable defense must uphold the principle of proportionality.”
Reuters stated that health authorities in Hamas-controlled Gaza assert Israel’s military operation has caused more than 67,000 fatalities in Gaza, predominantly civilians.
These statements are considered among the Church’s most severe condemnations of the conflict. They also signal a transition towards a more assertive Vatican position under Leo, who assumed the papacy after Pope Francis in May.
Parolin further criticized global powers for their state of inaction.
“It is… evident that the international community is, regrettably, without power, and that nations genuinely able to wield influence have thus far neglected to intervene to halt the ongoing slaughter,” he stated.
“I can only reiterate the very explicit remarks made by Pope Leo XIV on July 20: ‘I renew my urgent request to the international community to adhere to humanitarian law and to honor the duty to safeguard civilians, alongside the prohibition of collective retribution, the indiscriminate deployment of force, and the compulsory relocation of the populace.’”
Parolin proceeded further, raising questions about the moral implications of supplying weapons to the parties engaged in the conflict.
“It is insufficient to merely declare that the unfolding events are unacceptable while subsequently permitting them to continue,” he commented.
“We must seriously contemplate the legitimacy… of persistently providing weaponry that is
In July, Pope Leo XIV voiced sadness and called for a ceasefire after Gaza’s single Catholic Church was reportedly struck in an Israeli attack, which left a minimum of two dead and several wounded. The Israeli Prime Minister subsequently attributed the church being hit to “stray ammunition.”
Parolin’s admonition emerges as European leaders confront increasing demands to undertake more than merely releasing statements of concern. His deployment of the term “massacre” resonated with humanitarian organizations contending that Gaza’s civilian infrastructure has disintegrated.
Simultaneously, he reaffirmed the Church’s insistence that Hamas release all remaining captives.
The October 7 attacks “were inhuman and indefensible,” he stated, emphasizing that the suffering of neither side lessens that of the other.
Digital has contacted the Vatican concerning this matter.
Reuters provided contributions to this report.