Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the Vatican had a duty to speak out about the current wars in some parts of the world.
The Vatican's Secretary of State said: "With all the conflicts in the world today, we can't just wait."
He said the Holy See would play its part in finding peace around the world.
It comes just days after Pope Francis was praised for his part in easing relations between America and Cuba following years of tension.
The Cardinal also said he expected the pontiff to address the United Nations when he visits the US in September.
"I think the Pope will go to United Nations, everybody is speaking about that... but no official announcement has been delivered," he said.