"Regardless of whether outsiders agree or disagree with the Holy See, it's hard to dispute its moral influence, geographic reach, and ability to grab headlines," she wrote.
"These qualities can make the Vatican a formidable partner for the U.S. and other nations in the pursuit of common objectives."
The Vatican and President Obama
A 2009 cable titled, "Scenesetter for the President's July 10 visit" offered a look at the briefing U.S. President Barack Obama received before his visit to Rome. The brief painted a picture of shared and contrasting views – but also of mutual respect – as the embassy prepared the president for his meeting with the Pope.
Turkey's inclusion in European Union
An August 2004 cable addressed then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger's hesitation to welcome Turkey into the European Union. In the same report was the embassy's clarification that the Vatican saw "no obstacle" to full EU membership if the nation met the requirements.
Another cable – from June 2009 - acknowledged the Pope's "uneasiness" about allowing Turkey into the EU as a cardinal. It also reported the official position of the Holy See that "as a non-EU member the Vatican has no role in promoting or vetoing Turkey's membership."
The cable continued by opining that "the Vatican might prefer to see Turkey develop a special relationship short of membership with the EU, but Vatican Secretary of State (Prime Minister-equivalent) Bertone has stated that Turkey should become a member if it meets all the EU criteria - including full protection of human rights and religious freedoms."
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Foreign diplomacy
Other transmissions released by The Guardian noted the apparent objectives of Vatican diplomatic efforts. Cables from 2009 - 2010 highlighted meetings with Vatican officials about softening the American trade embargo against Cuba and the Holy See's concerns related to Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez.
In a cable from July 2001, the embassy spoke of the Vatican as a "supra-national power," with limited territory but extensive influence in the world.
Sexual abuse
A cable titled, "Sex abuse scandal strains Irish-Vatican relations, shakes up Irish church, and poses challenges for the Holy See” written by Valls in Feb. 2010 examined Vatican-Irish government relations after an Irish government entity bypassed diplomatic channels in search of information.