Pope Leo XIV's Secretary of State Urges 2-State Solution as Recognized by President Macron of France and Warns of Using Starvation as a Weapon
Pope Leo XIV's Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolin urges the importance of recognizing two states, Israel and Palestine, “living side by side, independently but also in cooperation and security.” The pope made some very strong statements at the Angelus on Gaza (Continues below the video):
I am following with great concern the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the civilian population is suffering from severe hunger and remains exposed to violence and death. I renew my heartfelt appeal for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the full respect of humanitarian law. Every human person possesses an inherent dignity, bestowed by God himself. I urge all parties involved in conflicts to recognize this dignity and to end every action that violates it. I call for negotiations aimed at securing a future of peace for all peoples, and for the rejection of anything that might jeopardize it.
PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON WROTE: Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine. I will make this solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September. The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and to bring relief to the civilian population. Peace is possible. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. We must also ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza. And finally, we must build the State of Palestine, guarantee its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the region. There is no alternative.
Cardinal Parolin explained, the Holy See, (Vatican) has “already recognized” Palestine for some time. Following French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France will recognize the State of Palestine in September, during the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the issue returned to the forefront in the words of the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Asked by journalists on the sidelines of a Jubilee event for digital influencers, the Cardinal reiterated that this is “the solution — the recognition of two states, living side by side, independently but also in cooperation and security.”
In response to a question about claims that recognizing the State of Palestine is “premature,” Cardinal Parolin replied: “Why premature? In our view, the solution lies in direct dialogue between the two sides aimed at establishing two autonomous state entities.”
He acknowledged, however, that the situation is becoming increasingly difficult — particularly due to the developments in the West Bank — referring to Israeli settlements there: “This certainly does not help, from a practical standpoint, the realization of the Palestinian State.” Hence his hope that the meetings in New York — taking place today and tomorrow during the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Resolution of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution — will “bear some fruit.”
It is worth remembering that the Holy See signed a basic agreement with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) 25 years ago. Then, ten years ago, it signed a Comprehensive Agreement with the State of Palestine, which entered into force in January 2016.
Investigation of the attack on Gaza church
Regarding the investigation into the 17 July Israeli attack on the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza — where initial findings suggest that the strike on the building, which caused three deaths and ten injuries, was not intentional, nor the result of human error, but rather due to a malfunction of the shell or artillery mechanism — Cardinal Parolin stated that he does not have “any other information that would lead to a different assessment.”“We weren’t able to conduct an independent investigation. We accept the findings provided by the Israeli army and government, but we continue to insist on the need for caution,” he added.“
The impression is that these errors happen repeatedly. Close attention must be paid to ensure that places of worship and humanitarian institutions are not again struck by violence. It is up to Israel to find a way to make sure these mistakes do not happen again. I believe that if there is a will, a way can be found.”
He also highlighted the severity of the crisis in Gaza and the urgent need for humanitarian aid: “I hope it arrives, because the situation is unsustainable. And truly, as many international agencies are now reporting, a new weapon being used is starvation — famine and lack of food.”
In response to a question about claims that recognizing the State of Palestine is “premature,” Cardinal Parolin replied: “Why premature? In our view, the solution lies in direct dialogue between the two sides aimed at establishing two autonomous state entities.”
He acknowledged, however, that the situation is becoming increasingly difficult — particularly due to the developments in the West Bank — referring to Israeli settlements there: “This certainly does not help, from a practical standpoint, the realization of the Palestinian State.” Hence his hope that the meetings in New York — taking place today and tomorrow during the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Resolution of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution — will “bear some fruit.”
It is worth remembering that the Holy See signed a basic agreement with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) 25 years ago. Then, ten years ago, it signed a Comprehensive Agreement with the State of Palestine, which entered into force in January 2016.
Investigation of the attack on Gaza church
Regarding the investigation into the 17 July Israeli attack on the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza — where initial findings suggest that the strike on the building, which caused three deaths and ten injuries, was not intentional, nor the result of human error, but rather due to a malfunction of the shell or artillery mechanism — Cardinal Parolin stated that he does not have “any other information that would lead to a different assessment.”“We weren’t able to conduct an independent investigation. We accept the findings provided by the Israeli army and government, but we continue to insist on the need for caution,” he added.“
The impression is that these errors happen repeatedly. Close attention must be paid to ensure that places of worship and humanitarian institutions are not again struck by violence. It is up to Israel to find a way to make sure these mistakes do not happen again. I believe that if there is a will, a way can be found.”
He also highlighted the severity of the crisis in Gaza and the urgent need for humanitarian aid: “I hope it arrives, because the situation is unsustainable. And truly, as many international agencies are now reporting, a new weapon being used is starvation — famine and lack of food.”
Sources https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-07/cardinal-parolin-call-palestinian-state-decries-hunger-gaza.html
Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 24, 2025
I will make this solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September.… pic.twitter.com/VTSVGVH41I
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