Pope Francis’s top diplomat said a recent vote by the European Parliament to style abortion as a ‘fundamental right’ constitutes a “radical attack” on human life.

“When life is attacked in such a radical way, you truly have to ask what kind of future we want to build,” said Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, adding that the situation has produced “great sadness in the depths of my heart”.

While it was considered largely a symbolic result, given that amending the European Charter of Fundamental Rights would require the consent of all 27 member states and both Poland and Malta have already indicated that they won’t approve the change, the result indicated widespread support for the move. There were 336 votes in favour, 163 against and 39 abstentions, while the vote also came with the backing of French President Emmanuel Macron who has just overseen France become the first country in the world to make abortion a constitutional right.

Every Irish MEP present voted in favour of the change.