Vatican Secretary of State’s first meeting with diplomatic corps
December 13, 2013 - 'We must show that peace is possible and is not a utopia,” said
Vatican Secretary of State, Archbishop Pietro Parolin on Friday. He was addressing
the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, his first meeting with them since
assuming his office on Oct. 15. He thanked them for their wishes on his appointment
to the Vatican post. The prelate, who is No. 2 in the Vatican after the Pope, stressed
that the Church, as asked by Pope Francis, is engaged in the task of building together
a humanity of one true family where dialogue overcomes war and conflict. The prelate
pledged his readiness to collaborate in the search for peace and respect for the dignity
of every human being at a time where, he said, many regions of the world are wounded
with war and poverty. He stressed on fraternity, the heart of the message of Pope
Francis for the Jan. 1st World Day of Peace, saying ‘no one can remain
insensitive to the suffering that dramatically hit” many human beings. “We have
to show that peace is possible, and is not Utopia,” he said, stressing, “it is a concrete
good that comes from God, and we can contribute in building a true culture of peace,
by responding courageously to the challenges the endanger genuine coexistence between
persons and peoples.'' Stressing that happiness is one of the most profound aspirations
of man, Archbishop Parolin said that the mission of diplomats consists in making the
world happier through greater brotherly relations.