SW News: Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin stated in a recent interview that the Christians of Iraq have demonstrated a faith that “goes as far as martyrdom.” Cardinal Parolin was interviewed by José Luis Restán, editorial director of the Spanish radio network COPE.

Cardinal Parolin noted that his recent trip to Iraq was a “very emotional” experience for him. He said that the Iraqi Christians have been persecuted by the “conflicts and all the forces that want to uproot the Christian faith in that country.” The “climate of mistrust and uncertainty” is forcing many to emigrate. Their deep faith enabled them to boldly embrace martyrdom. He said, “It is a great lesson we can draw from Iraqi Christians.”

Comparing them with the Christians in Europe, Cardinal Parolin said that a greater “solidarity” and “closeness” among Christians is required in Europe in order to “move forward.”

The Secretary of State also shared his concerns about the crisis of faith in Europe. He expressed his sadness at the “loss of faith” in European countries and their culture. The Cardinal said that the solution lies in offering faith, hope and charity through a “coherent and convinced witness of Christian life.”

Talking about the Holy Father with whom he has been working for the past 8 years, Cardinal Parolin said, “he is a simple man without protocol” and a person with “great simplicity.”

Cardinal Pietro Parolin was born in Schiavon, Italy, in 1955 and was ordained a priest on 27 April 1980. On 17 August 2009 he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela and was given episcopal consecration the following month. Pope Francis appointed him Secretary of State on 31 August 2013 and he was elevated to the Sacred College of Cardinals in 2014.