GENEVA

The Vatican on Wednesday warned that the world risks being "set ablaze" if nations continue to embrace the logic of preventive war.

Speaking to Vatican News, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin expressed profound sorrow regarding recent military escalations in the Middle East.

Addressing the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, Parolin criticized the shift away from the UNCharter. He noted that "the force of law has been replaced by the law of force," suggesting that the international community is witnessing an "erosion of international law" where peace is mistakenly pursued "by means of arms."

The Cardinal, in the report, rejected the justification of "preventive war" to stop missile production, arguing such actions must only be a "last and most grave resort" within a multilateral framework.

He cautioned that a "multipolarism marked by the primacy of power" is taking hold, leading to a "profound crisis" in diplomatic relations.

"There are no first-class and second-class dead," Parolin stated, calling for the protection of civilian life and a return to "the hard work of negotiation."

He concluded by urging leaders to heed the Pope’s appeal to "break through the hearts of those making decisions."