Cardinal Pietro Parolin was the architect of the secret meeting between Cuba and the United States at the Vatican. It led the way to restore their relationship.
The Vatican Secretary of State said at the Pontifical Gregorian University that the key to building peace is to focus all efforts on people's humanity.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
Vatican Secretary of State
'The key is the centrality of people's humanity, putting the human aspect at the center of all attention and effort. Focus on humanity, especially in poor and vulnerable people. '
He said it is a mistake to think that peace is the sole responsibility of governments. He said it must be created by people with small concrete actions.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
Vatican Secretary of State
'I think it is essential now to accept our differences. The problem is this, how to reconcile the differences we have on culture and religion and continue to grow. How to create a time of mutual enrichment and grow together and not have misunderstandings and violence.'
He gave the example of relations with China. Recently, Emeritus Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen criticized the Roman Curia for negotiating with Beijing, despite having two bishops in prison. He said that the Vatican doesn't hear them nor understand them.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
Vatican Secretary of State
'This is our effort always, we try to understand. I mean, China's problem is very complex, history shows. FLASH. It is impossible to deal with the problem in a simple way. But we believe that the only way is to speak, the only way is to meet and to try to understand and find solutions to problems that are on the table.'
Tomorrow, the cardinal begins an official visit to Belarus. It will be an important trip to one of the most sensitive regions in the old continent.
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