The Vatican's Voice Amidst Uncertainty: An Analysis of Diplomacy in Times of Conflict
François Mabille, a research associate at the Institut de relations internationales et stratégiques IRIS and director of the Observatoire géopolitique du religieux, recently published a significant book examining the Holy See's role in the realm of international relations. In light of the current geopolitical turmoil and the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Vatican, traditionally a proponent of multilateralism and international cooperation, finds its voice challenged as Pope Francis is currently hospitalized and unable to advocate publicly.
Despite the Pope’s silence, the Church's message retains its importance. Historically, the Vatican has emphasized the idea of one humanity that transcends borders. Since World War II, it has stood firmly in support of international organizations like the United Nations, underscoring its commitment to a unified global community. Recent statements from Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States, reflect this ongoing stance. In interviews and addresses to platforms like the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Gallagher reiterated the Vatican’s support for a 'just and lasting peace based on international law,' indicating that the Holy See remains active in advocating for peace even in the Pope’s absence.
However, there is a dichotomy in the Holy See’s diplomatic messaging that raises questions. Pope Francis has previously encouraged Ukrainians to consider laying down arms, suggesting that his calls for peace do not explicitly condemn the Russian aggressor. This ambiguity reflects the Vatican's complex historical stance on diplomacy, which may at times echo the controversial approaches seen in modern politics. Such a position can be contrasted sharply with the nuances of the curial diplomacy practiced within the Church's governance, which tends to embrace a more traditional, structured approach.
The complexity of the Vatican's diplomatic role, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, illustrates the challenges of maintaining a cohesive message amid differing interpretations and actions from both the Pope’s rhetoric and the curia's diplomatic practices. The roots of this ambiguity may trace back to the signing of the Lateran Treaty in 1929, suggesting a long-standing structural element within the Holy See’s diplomatic identity.
As the world awaits the Pope's recovery and a potential return to more robust international engagement, the roles of key Vatican figures like Archbishop Gallagher will be crucial in shaping the Church's responses to conflict and its advocacy for peace in an increasingly fractious global landscape. Ultimately, the challenge lies in ensuring that the Vatican's message, advocating for humanity and peace, resonates clearly amidst the complexities of international law and wartime diplomacy.
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