Vatican City: In a compelling discourse on the essence of Vatican diplomacy, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, emphasized that the Holy See’s international engagement is driven by the pursuit of the common good rather than narrow political or national interests. Speaking at the conference “Becoming neighbours in hope: the witness of religions and the diplomacy of political charity”, Archbishop Gallagher outlined the guiding principles of papal diplomacy and its enduring commitment to fostering hope through concrete action.
The event, organized by the Pontifical Association Carità Politica (Political Charity), was held at San Callisto Palace near the Vatican and brought together diplomats, clergy, and experts to explore the intersections of faith, ethics, and global political engagement. Archbishop Gallagher highlighted that diplomacy for the Holy See is not merely ceremonial, but a transformative practice: “Becoming a neighbour is the deeper meaning of diplomacy at the service of the common good, and not of particular interests.”
Archbishop Gallagher stressed that Vatican diplomacy seeks to convert moral hope into tangible outcomes. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel parable of the Good Samaritan, he described diplomacy as a commitment to “taking on concrete and lasting responsibility for the wounded man”. Historical examples, such as the Holy See’s role in the rapprochement between the United States and Cuba, the peace process in Colombia, and ongoing engagement with Vietnam and China, demonstrate this principle in action.
The Secretary for Relations with States explained that the Holy See’s approach combines immediate crisis management with a long-term vision that transcends political cycles. He acknowledged the inherent risks of maintaining diplomatic relations with nearly all countries worldwide, including perceptions of being overly accommodating to authoritarian regimes. Yet, he insisted that such engagement is essential for influencing systems otherwise unreachable and for fostering sustainable peace and cooperation.
Archbishop Gallagher outlined the concept of active neutrality as the foundation of Vatican diplomacy. Far from indicating indifference, active neutrality allows the Holy See to act in favor of human stability and the common good, unbound by the shifting allegiances of geopolitical blocs or ideological frameworks. He noted, “Every intervention by the Holy See is aimed at promoting the common good and translating hope into a concrete diplomatic act, not naive optimism.”
The moral authority of the Holy See, derived from its independence from material or national interests, permits it to uphold ethical principles even when inconvenient. Archbishop Gallagher acknowledged that listening and dialogue can be challenging, particularly when immediate political interests clash with broader ethical imperatives. Yet, he underscored that keeping diplomatic channels open often enables more effective outcomes than public condemnations.
Addressing contemporary global challenges, Archbishop Gallagher stressed the importance of addressing migration through an integral perspective examining root causes and converting crises into opportunities for humanitarian action. He also called for the development of a theology of peace, moving beyond the mere absence of conflict to the cultivation of just relationships among nations and peoples.
Interreligious dialogue remains a central pillar of Vatican diplomacy, alongside the promotion of multilateral cooperation. “Global challenges, from the pandemic to the climate crisis, cannot be faced alone,” the Archbishop noted, emphasizing that effective solutions require collaboration across nations and faith traditions.
Archbishop Gallagher highlighted that papal diplomacy operates on two temporal planes: responding to immediate crises while cultivating long-term stability. The dual approach, he said, is “not a luxury, but a strategic necessity”. In a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape marked by technological change, ecological crises, and regional conflicts, maintaining principled engagement is essential to achieving lasting solutions.
In conclusion, Archbishop Gallagher framed Vatican diplomacy as a vocation of hope in action, guided by ethical responsibility, dialogue, and a commitment to the common good. By prioritizing human dignity over political expediency, the Holy See continues to navigate the complex terrain of international relations with a vision that is at once moral, strategic, and profoundly humanitarian.