Respect for hospitals, places of worship fundamental in international law: Vatican

VATICAN (AA) - The Secretary of State of the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, underscored on Friday the critical importance of respecting hospitals and places of worship in international humanitarian law.

Parolin addressed journalists on various international issues at an event at the Vatican Embassy in Italy and expressed deep concerns about the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

He condemned the use of hospitals in acts of war.

"There is no sense in using hospitals in any act of war. This should be condemned and strongly denounced," he said.

The cardinal particularly highlighted the release of hostages as a crucial point for resolving the current crisis in the Middle East.

He expressed the Vatican's belief that securing the release of hostages is one of the essential aspects of finding a resolution.

Furthermore, Parolin mentioned ongoing efforts to arrange a possible meeting between Pope Francis and the families of the hostages.

Parolin reiterated the importance of not attacking hospitals and emphasized the need to allow health care workers to carry out their duties without obstruction, in an interview with the Italian Skytg24 channel.