Vatican: Syria Now Offers ‘a Good Opportunity’

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin commented on the rapid developments in Syria while in Milan, Italy, for an event at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and the awarding of the Al Issa Research Award for Arab-Islamic Studies. He noted that the developments in Syria offer “a good opportunity to continue building bridges” with the Muslim world, Vatican News reported December 10.

I believe we are all concerned about what is happening in Syria, particularly because of the speed with which events have unfolded. It’s difficult to understand what is going on. It is striking to me that a regime that seemed so strong, so solid, has been completely swept away in such a short time. …

Let us now see what scenarios unfold …. Perhaps it is a little premature to speculate. We have had some indications about respect for Christian communities, so we really hope that there can be a future of respect for all. [The hope] is that those who come to power will try to create a regime that is open to and respectful of everyone.
—Pietro Parolin

Rising conflicts: Regarding the Vatican’s role in current conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, Parolin commented: “No formal negotiations have been initiated, but we … look for conditions that allow dialogue and problem-solving, such as ceasefire agreements, the release of hostages in the Middle East, and humanitarian aid. These are all areas in which we are actively engaged.”

Dialogue with the Muslim world:

I am very pleased that an institution like the Università Cattolica has taken the lead in this initiative, allowing for mutual understanding, deepening knowledge, and fostering collaboration. I believe that the challenge today is to collaborate in responding to the many problems and difficulties the world faces. We need to recover synergy and cooperation.
—Pietro Parolin

Cooperation prophesied: Psalm 83 predicts that Syria will ally again with Catholic Europe. Parolin’s work to bring the Vatican into dialogue with the Muslim world could contribute to the fulfillment of this prophecy.

Learn more: Read “A Mysterious Prophecy,” by Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry.