“From this point of view, I am sorry to say, the Holy See is not listened to,” he said. “Indeed, it creates annoyance. But we don’t work against someone. On the contrary, we look at the human being. Therefore, I believe that our task is also to be faithful to the message we must transmit, without being discouraged.”
The 67-year-old Italian cardinal underlined that “the Parable of the Sower shows us that the seed falls in the streets, on the thorns, on the road, but this does not discourage the sower, because he knows that sooner or later the seed will go into the good earth and produce fruit.”
“I believe that this is the Holy See’s attitude, always posing questions with respect and delicacy, but also with great clarity. We must say our point of view, even if it is not immediately accepted, even if it is not immediately understood, even if it is rejected and opposed.”
The cardinal also reflected on measures to restrict the spread of COVID-19, which at times risked infringing on the right to religious freedom.
“I would say that there is a general tendency in some states, perhaps more in the West, to relegate religion to the private sector,” he commented. “Of course, we always speak of open persecution of Christians in various parts of the world, but there is also a tendency to limit their public presence, relegating them to the private sphere. This is the most general phenomenon.”
But, he added, “as regards COVID, I believe we all found ourselves faced with a very unprecedented situation, which made us react in no particular order, both the Church and the state.”
“And so, at times, we have not been able to act in the most correct way possible. I have heard many bishops who have highlighted the discriminatory aspects because certain premises cannot be opened and churches closed. These are choices that do not consider, among other things, people’s spiritual needs.”
Parolin concluded: “As I said, it was an unprecedented situation, and the first reactions are never the happiest. But I think everyone recognizes how the Church has tried to play her part, not by hindering the government’s work, but by supporting it, albeit with some criticisms, proving to be a reliable partner.”
Editor’s note: This is the fifth and final part of CNA’s interview with Cardinal Parolin.
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