Cardinal Parolin expresses deep concern over ‘endless tragedy’ in Iran

On the sidelines of Mass with the exposition of the relics of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati on Saturday, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin spoke to journalists outside the church of the Domus Mariae in Rome.

He expressed “great concern” in the face of the “endless tragedy” shaking Iran.

“I ask myself,” he said, “how it is possible to rage against one’s own people, that there have been so many deaths—it is an endless tragedy.”

The Cardinal said he hopes a peaceful solution can be reached to the current situation.

Speaking of Venezuela, Cardinal Parolin reiterated the Holy See’s constant commitment to a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

“We had tried to find a solution that would avoid any bloodshed, perhaps by reaching an agreement also with Maduro and with the other representatives of the regime, but this was not possible,” he said.

The Cardinal expressed the hope that the present situation of “great uncertainty” might evolve toward stability, “the democratization of the country,” and economic recovery, “because the economic situation is truly very precarious.”