Cardinal Parolin in Norway prays for peace in war-torn regions

Cardinal Parolin in Norway prays for peace in war-torn regions


Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin visits Norway for the episcopal ordination of new Coadjutor Bishop Frederik Hansen and expresses the Holy See’s hopes for peace in conflict-ridden regions, including the Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Myanmar and Sudan.

By Isabelle Piro

The gift of hope for “the whole world and in particular for the regions affected by war” was the central prayer offered by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin in his homily on Saturday morning, January 18, in Oslo, the Norwegian capital.

The cardinal traveled to the Scandinavian country to preside over the episcopal ordination mass of Bishop Fredrik Hansen, whom Pope Francis named coadjutor bishop of the diocese on November 1, 2024.

Thoughts for War-Torn Nations

The cardinal expressed particular concern for “war-stricken Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Myanmar and Sudan,” emphasizing the importance of “an ecumenism of brotherly love.”

This spirit, deeply rooted in the Scandinavian tradition, he recalled, is reflected in the “great openness”, the “dialogue” and the “mutual collaboration” between Catholics and Lutherans.

“This path of fraternity and Christian solidarity,” underlined Cardinal Parolin, “is more necessary and urgent than ever to face the many challenges that contemporary Churches face.”

Cardinal Parolin presides over episcopal ordination in Norway

Cardinal Parolin presides over episcopal ordination in Norway

Fraternity and solidarity

Cardinal Parolin also praised the assistance provided by the Norwegian and Scandinavian Churches to developing countries, notably through the long-standing welcome of immigrants and refugees, which he described as a “true Catholic welcome.”

Delivering Pope Francis’ “greetings and blessing” to the “little flock” of Norwegian Catholics, the cardinal thanked the local community for its acts of spiritual renewal, as the pope often invokes in his recent encyclical. Dilexit Nos, and for their authentic gestures of fraternity and solidarity which, he suggested, reveal “the presence of the Heart of Christ” to those in need.

Episcopal ministry: service, not power

Turning to Bishop Hansen, the cardinal highlighted the essential features of his new role: “a humble style of service” rather than “the exercise of power”; “conformity to Christ, which requires constant renunciation”; and “the incessant invocation of the Spirit” to remain faithful to true doctrine and true morality.

Teach, sanctify, govern

Cardinal Parolin reminded the new bishop that his primary pastoral duties are to teach, sanctify and govern, with the aim of promoting “a true pedagogy of holiness”, as St. John Paul II emphasizes in his apostolic exhortation . Pastores Gregis.

Reflecting on Bishop Hansen’s spiritual journey, he mentioned the bishop’s experiences in parish work, diocesan administration in Oslo, studies in Rome, eleven years of papal diplomacy and recent years as a Sulpician.

The Cardinal described these stages as a “path of holiness,” with moments of both trial and growth. He entrusted the ministry of Bishop Hansen and the local Church to the “Mother of Hope,” praying that she would be guided to Heaven.

Meetings with Norwegian authorities

The day before, on January 17, Cardinal Parolin met with Norwegian leaders, including King Harald V and Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

In an interview with Katolsk.nothe media of the diocesan communications office, the Cardinal revealed that the central theme of these meetings was international peace.

Need for hope and mutual understanding

“The Holy See and Norway share a commitment to peace,” Cardinal Parolin said, highlighting Norway’s active role as a promoter of world peace, involved in numerous peace negotiations.

In a world plagued by “dramatic and tragic” conflicts that often destroy civilian lives, he stressed the urgent need for hope, dialogue, negotiation and mutual understanding.

The Cardinal affirmed that the mission of the Church is to serve as a sign of peace and reconciliation, both within nations and on the world stage.

Reiterating the message of Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli tutti“We are called to live as one family, the family of God,” he stressed, and this unity is the lasting contribution of the Church to the world, aimed at fostering peace and mutual understanding among nations. .

Episcopal ordination

Episcopal ordination

“Humanitarian tragedy” in Ukraine

Focusing on the war in Ukraine, which approaches its third anniversary in February, the cardinal described the conflict as a “great humanitarian tragedy” marked by immense loss and destruction.

He reiterated Pope Francis’ repeated offers to mediate peace and highlighted the Vatican’s humanitarian efforts to pave the way for a future resolution.

“We gave priority to the children,” Cardinal Parolin noted, referring to efforts to reunite Ukrainian children taken to Russia with their families.

This initiative was led by the president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, whom Pope Francis appointed as his special envoy to seek peace in Ukraine.

Furthermore, the cardinal highlighted the active involvement of the Holy See in obtaining the release of prisoners of war and improving their conditions of detention, crucial steps towards building confidence for future peace.

In conclusion, Cardinal Parolin expressed hope for a rapid end to the conflict and stressed that a just and lasting peace requires mutual trust between the parties involved.



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