SW News: At a conference sponsored by the Italian Embassy to the Holy See in Rome, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin discussed the need to develop fresh diplomatic strategies to put an end to the conflict in Ukraine by taking inspiration from the famous "Helsinki Conference" that took place in the 1970s during the Cold War era. He said that Europe must rediscover the "Spirit of Helsinki" and pursue new paths of peace in the face of the barbarism ongoing in Ukraine and the global nuclear threat.

The cardinal warned once again against the danger of growing accustomed to the war in Eastern Europe. Europe should therefore work for a new European peace conference. By doing so, he said it “may once again be the beacon of a civilization founded on peace, law and international justice.”

Meanwhile, the Rector of Santa Sophia Cathedral in Rome, Fr. Marco Semehen, has called for financial as well as humanitarian aid as the war grinds on in Ukraine. As Christmas draws near, Fr. Semehen provided a thought on this season that typically prompts us to return home. "We have to recognize that so many people in Ukraine don't have homes," or if they do, it's probably cold inside. We must keep in mind that Jesus was born in a stable, where there was obviously no light or heat. But then there was peace.” The situation is described as critical with frigid temperatures around the corner. The power plant bombings have also paralyzed many areas of daily life.

Fr. Semehen also stressed the importance Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, places on the conflict and the Ukrainian people. Cardinal Krajewski frequently arrives with a van packed with supplies for the Ukrainians.