Pope could visit conflict zones, Vatican Secretary of State says

VATICAN CITY, April 22 (UPI) -- Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said, in a new book, Pope Francis could visit conflict zones in an attempt to bring peace, and will show the Catholic Church is immersed in the problems of humanity.

The book, The Popes of Peace, written about Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II and to be published prior to their canonization on Apr. 27, says Pope Francis could intervene “wherever peace is threatened” with “his presence, even in an impromptu way.”

Parolin added Pope Francis will demonstrate the Catholic Church is concerned “not just with its internal problems” and will emphasize “that large part of humanity that is a victim of violence and marginalization.”

The author contends the current pope will follow the leads of his two predecessors to concentrate on humanity’s problems and not “move to protect its own rights or invoke privileges for itself.”

Parolin, viewed as a modern and forward-thinking secretary of state, replaced Tarcisio Bertone in the position on Jan. 15. Bettone, who held the post since 2006, was viewed more as a stalwart of the old guard of the Vatican.