Vatican Cardinal called on Trump and Israel to end the war

(Patria) - A high-ranking Vatican diplomat yesterday called on US President Donald Trump to end the spread of the war in Iran as soon as possible and told Israel to stop attacks on Lebanon.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, made an unusually direct appeal amid escalating conflict, Reuters writes.

- I would say that this should end as soon as possible and that Lebanon should be left alone. This message also applies to the Israelis - said Italian Cardinal Parolin, a senior advisor to US Pope Francis, addressing reporters at an event in the Italian parliament.

Vatican diplomats do not usually make direct calls to action to foreign leaders, but rather act behind the scenes.

Parolin, who has been Secretary of State since 2013, is known for his measured tone and efforts to avoid media attention.

Pope Francis, also known for his diplomatic language, has intensified his calls for an end to the war in Iran in recent days.

On Monday, the Pope called on journalists to highlight the suffering caused by the war, warning against reporting that risks slipping into propaganda by glorifying conflict.

Parolin stated yesterday that he is concerned that the conflict will continue to escalate. He called on Trump and other world leaders "to resolve problems peacefully, through diplomacy and dialogue".