VATICAN CITY, September 1, 2025 (WAFA) – Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Varsen Aghabekian, met on Monday with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin during her official visit to the Holy See.
The meeting, attended by Palestinian Ambassador to the Holy See Issa Kassissieh, addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Cardinal Parolin expressed deep concern over the situation, stressing the urgent need to halt the war and allow humanitarian aid, describing the ongoing war as a defeat for humanity.
Aghabekian briefed the Cardinal on continued Israeli violations in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza, particularly targeting Christian institutions in Jerusalem and attempts to undermine the city’s legal and historical status.
She also detailed the destruction of infrastructure and civilian lives in Gaza, attacks on clergy, the killing of journalists, demographic and geographic changes in Jerusalem, taxation on churches, and land seizures. She emphasized that adherence to international law and the implementation of a two-state solution are essential to end these practices, calling for practical measures to stop colonist attacks and protect holy sites.
Cardinal Parolin reiterated the Vatican’s steadfast commitment to justice and peace, expressing his continued monitoring of the humanitarian situation and prayers for an end to the suffering and the achievement of a just and comprehensive peace in the Holy Land.
During the same visit, Aghabekian met with the Foreign Minister of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Riccardo Paterno di Montecupo, and senior officials at the order’s headquarters in Rome.
Di Montecupo reaffirmed Malta’s ongoing support for the Palestinian people and expressed solidarity amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He noted the order’s recent efforts to deliver aid to the territory and pledged continued humanitarian assistance in the coming period.
Aghabekian commended Malta’s efforts, praising their support for the Palestinian cause and underscoring that recognition of Palestinian rights and the implementation of a two-state solution are the only paths to a just and comprehensive peace. She also briefed the officials on Israeli violations, including the Judaization of Jerusalem, taxation on churches, attacks on the historic Christian presence, colonist assaults on clergy, land confiscations, and the ongoing destruction in Gaza.
The meetings concluded with both sides agreeing to strengthen cooperation in humanitarian and diplomatic fields and to continue coordinating efforts to support the Palestinian people and uphold their legitimate rights to freedom, dignity, and independence.
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