Vatican diplomacy

The Latest

Boys play soccer on a basketball court in Jerusalem.

Christians in Holy Land voice fear over Trump's Jerusalem move

Dec 7, 2017

By Elise Harris

Christians leaders in Jerusalem have voiced fear over the repercussionss of America's recognition of the city as Israel's capital, asking... Read more

China, Vatican use 'diplomacy of art' to foster relations

Nov 21, 2017

By Elise Harris

Relations with mainland China have long been an interest for the Holy See, and the Vatican Museums have now partnered... Read more

The flag of the European Union flying in Rome.

Civil, ecclesial leaders of Europe find common ground in their concerns

Oct 27, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

The concern felt by both the Catholic Church and local civil leaders for the future of Europe provides an opportunity... Read more

As Europe faces uncertain future, ambassadors eager to exchange ideas

Oct 27, 2017

By Elise Harris

Ahead of a Vatican conference exploring the future of the European Union, several ambassadors to the Holy See have said... Read more

Pope Francis meets with Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri and his wife, Lara Bashir Al Azem, at the Vatican, Oct. 13, 2017.

Pope Francis, Lebanese prime minister discuss Middle East

Oct 13, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis and the prime minister of Lebanon, Saad Rafic Hariri, discussed Friday the current situation in the Middle East... Read more

Vatican recalls priest from US as child porn investigation opens

Sep 15, 2017

By Elise Harris

The Vatican announced Friday that after being informed by U.S. officials of a possible breach of child pornography laws on... Read more

Pope Francis meets with Archbishop Emil Paul Tscherrig, who was appointed apostolic nuncio to Italy and San Marino Sept. 12, 2017.

For the first time, the papal nuncio to Italy is not Italian

Sep 12, 2017

By Andrea Gagliarducci

For the first time ever, a non-Italian will serve as apostolic nuncio, or papal ambassador, to Italy. On Sept. 12,... Read more

Parolin, Kirill: we have reached a 'new stage' in Church relations

Aug 23, 2017

By Elise Harris

After a joint meeting during Cardinal Pietro Parolin's visit to Russia this week, both he and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill... Read more

Cardinal Pietro Parolin celebrates Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, April 27, 2017.

Parolin in Russia: Vatican diplomacy has a key role in global debate

Aug 21, 2017

By Elise Harris

As he arrived to Russia for his official three-day visit, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the Holy... Read more

Cardinal Pietro Parolin says Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, April 27, 2017.

Cardinal Parolin says urgency of peace a key reason for Russia trip

Aug 9, 2017

By Elise Harris

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has said he will be going to Russia Aug. 20-24 largely out of... Read more

The Church of the Savior on Blood in Saint Petersburg.

Why Cardinal Parolin's trip to Russia matters

Aug 3, 2017

By Elise Harris

The Vatican Secretary of State's visit to Russia later this month comes at a crucial juncture for the country, and... Read more

Mental health has a spiritual element, Holy See reminds UN

Jun 16, 2017

The Holy See's representative to the United Nations appealed Wednesday to the Human Rights Council to couple psychological treatment with... Read more

Cardinal Joseph Zen, emeritus Bishop of Hong Kong, at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome, Nov. 18, 2014.

Cardinal Zen urges prayer for Christians in China

May 24, 2017

By Elise Harris

As Chinese Catholics celebrate the feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians, Cardinal Joseph Zen has asked for prayers on... Read more

Pope Francis speaks to the Diplomatic Corps Ac

Pope to ambassadors: Work for peace amid 'complex' global conflicts

May 18, 2017

By Elise Harris

On Thursday Pope Francis received the credentials of six new ambassadors to the Holy See, telling them to work for... Read more

Vatican, Myanmar officially establish diplomatic ties

May 4, 2017

By Elise Harris

In a meeting Thursday between Pope Francis and Myanmar's Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi, the two cemented their diplomatic... Read more

A woman receives a tetanus vaccine at the Pissa health centre in Central African Republic, January 2008.

Health care for all isn't optional, Vatican tells UN

Mar 16, 2017

Health care access is a human right, not just a matter of philanthropy, the Holy See told the United Nations... Read more

A view of St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican City Flag.

Holy See signs agreement with Republic of the Congo

Feb 5, 2017

The Holy See and the Republic of the Congo on Friday signed a framework agreement to govern relations between the... Read more

Knights of Malta say leader's dismissal 'more complex' than condoms

Jan 12, 2017

By Elise Harris

After former Grand Chancellor of the Knights of Malta Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager was dismissed in early December, many have... Read more

Ken Hackett, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See in Rome on Jan. 23, 2014.

Vatican ambassador predicts Trump will drop campaign rhetoric

Jan 11, 2017

By Elise Harris

Ken Hackett is preparing to wrap up his term as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See as Donald Trump's presidential... Read more

Pope Francis speaks to the Diplomatic Corps Ac

Pope to diplomats: when it comes to politics, peace must be more than a theory

Jan 9, 2017

By Elise Harris

Following a year marred by war and terrorism, Pope Francis told diplomats Monday that for 2017, peace has to be... Read more