Several entities have asked the Holy See if it would be possible for it to intervene in the suspension of the fighting in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq, says a press release, issued by the Holy See Press Office this morning.

“The Holy See, obviously, is always willing to help the parties dialogue,” says Fr. Ciro Benedettini, director of the press office, “on the condition that there truly exists the will to speak seriously about peaceful resolutions to the conflict.”

The aposotolic nuncio in Baghdad is following the situation, he added, and the Vatican’s secretary of state remains in strict contact with him, as well as with the Chaldean patriarch and the conference of Iraq bishops.