Holy See diplomacy: ‘A field hospital amid a battle’

By Salvatore Cernuzio

The Holy See’s commitment to resolving conflicts – whether in Ukraine, the Middle East, the Caucasus, Myanmar, Ethiopia or Yemen – and to promoting peace, advancing human rights man and religious freedom, to take care of our common home, to oppose the “throwaway culture”; supporting migrants; and the defense of access to health care is unwavering. In addition, it defends just economic policies, combats human trafficking and promotes fraternity and multilateralism. Described as a “field hospital in the middle of a battle,” the Holy See is a vital player in global conversations about the challenges facing the international community, exercising “soft power” that often achieves results that even the great world powers struggle to achieve on their own. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, described the vocation and tools of Vatican diplomacy, which currently maintains relations with 184 countries and is deeply engaged in the institutions of governance worldwide. His presentation at the Catholic University of Lublin (KUL), entitled “The Diplomacy of the Holy See in the Contemporary World”, was part of a conference organized by the university’s Center for Diplomatic Studies.

Dialogue, humility and peacebuilding

Gallagher described the current state of the Holy See’s diplomatic mission, beginning with a historical perspective and emphasizing decades of rapprochement, dialogue and a patient and humble approach that has proven effective in untangling seemingly insurmountable conflicts and fostering signs of goodwill between warring parties. . Essentially, this “diplomacy of mercy” embodies a real political commitment to solidarity and the common good – not as an abstract objective but through concrete actions such as the cancellation of foreign debt, the promotion of policies of cooperation and development and the promotion of human dignity, even in the face of serious injustices such as the death penalty.

The Pope, head of diplomacy

To KUL students, Gallagher explained the key structures and figures of Vatican diplomacy, such as apostolic nunciatures, the presence of the pope in various cultural and religious contexts, and the role of apostolic delegates, who represent the Holy See locally where diplomatic relations have not been established. formalized. The Secretariat of State guides this “vast and well-defined” network, but, as Bishop Gallagher explains, “the very first diplomat is the pope himself”.

The pontificate of John Paul II and the “questions concerning Eastern Europe” amply demonstrated this, but even today, “we can see the impact that Pope Francis has on the international scene.” For him, “the world turns” and “it is his words and his actions which inspire and animate the diplomatic activity of the Holy See”, underlined the Vatican representative. Through exhortations, prayers, meetings, encyclicals and travels around the world, “the Pope tirelessly exercises his moral authority”, confronting injustices, reaching the abandoned and warning against harmful practices that undermine endanger our world and our future.

Conflict resolution efforts

Gallagher’s speech also focused on the Vatican’s quiet, behind-the-scenes efforts to resolve conflicts, whether in Ukraine, the Middle East, Africa or the Caucasus. Acting impartially, the Holy See “intervenes to support an idea of ​​peace which is the fruit of just relations, respect for international norms and the protection of fundamental human rights”. The Holy See also works on humanitarian grounds to support society. revitalize often forgotten regions, facilitate the family reunification of minors and allow the exchange of prisoners and the return of soldiers fallen in combat between Russia and Ukraine, “the principle of humanity” must never be “compromised in the name of military needs”. “Especially when civilian lives are at stake,” the archbishop emphasized. “This commitment underlies his active engagement in discussions on disarmament.

Right to life

Gallagher also highlighted the Holy See’s commitment to human rights, including “the right to life and inviolability of every person as children of God” and the defense of “character sacredness of human life from conception to natural death. the Holy See defends a “moral standard” and sparks crucial global debates. He expressed concern that countries or coalitions are imposing views on human rights and dignity that deviate from the teachings of the Church, sometimes conditioning humanitarian and development aid on willingness of a country to adopt these ideologies. Gallagher also highlighted the Vatican’s “commitment to universal health care, without adopting certain controversial concepts” that have evolved into a global ideological agenda, such as the so-called “right to abortion.”

Religious freedom

Religious freedom was another central theme, with Gallagher reflecting on the legacy of Pope John Paul II and reiterating the need to resist the instrumentalization of religion for political conflict, which has led to discrimination, violence and even in war. The Holy See systematically emphasizes “the public dimension of religious freedom while respecting the legitimate autonomy of the secularism of the State”. It promotes healthy dialogue between the state and religious communities as partners and not rivals.

Caring for our common home, throwaway culture, technology and AI

Gallagher listed other crucial areas for Vatican diplomacy, including concern for our common home, opposition to the “throwaway culture” that devalues ​​human dignity by evaluating “people solely on the basis of their usefulness, the impact of technological progress and globalization on the workforce, and concerns “about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Regarding migration, he reiterated the Holy See’s commitment to seeking solutions to a crisis that affects nearly 120 million people displaced by persecution, war, conflict and poverty. He stressed the importance of just economic policies and efforts to “eradicate poverty, aimed at promoting human fraternity as an antidote to the “globalization of indifference.”

The “toxic scourge” of human trafficking

The Holy See is also deeply committed to the eradication of human trafficking and other forms of modern slavery. “Pope Francis is universally recognized as one of the leading moral voices in the fight against human trafficking,” Gallagher said, highlighting the pope’s constant calls for justice for people “deceived, assaulted, often sold into several times for different purposes and ultimately”. , killed or, in any case, physically and mentally injured.” To combat this “toxic scourge”, the Holy See urges governments to address the underlying causes, such as extreme poverty, corruption, injustice and economic exclusion.

Be a sign of hope

In conclusion, Archbishop Gallagher stressed that, in the context of a world that the Pope described as a “third world war waged piecemeal”, the diplomatic mission of the Holy See remains united in its commitment to “be a sign of hope.” In this way, Vatican diplomacy “serves the common good” and acts as a voice affirming a common desire for stability, security and peace.

Concordats and agreements

Gallagher also developed the Holy See’s bilateral diplomacy with various nations through concordats and agreements, which he called “fundamental, on the one hand, to defend local institutions against undue state interference in ecclesial affairs, as well as, on the other hand, engaging in dialogue with States on issues of common interest, in order to ensure effective cooperation in the social and religious fields. He cited the interim agreement with China on the appointment of bishops and similar arrangements with countries where formal diplomatic relations are still developing.

“Soft power”

Since becoming a permanent observer to the FAO in 1949, the Holy See has continued to intensify its engagement with the international community by contributing to numerous international organizations. This commitment allows the Holy See “to act above all as a force of ethical leadership” with “independence from alliances and political blocs”, favoring cooperation and dialogue. Thus, as Gallagher noted, the Holy See can serve as a “trustworthy mediator, paramount in resolving conflicts and fostering dialogue on global issues,” building bridges where others see only bridges. insurmountable divisions.