Vatican diplomacy

The Latest

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

A nuclear bomb explosion at the Nevada Test Site, April 18, 1953. Photo courtesy of National Nuclear Security Administration/Nevada Site Office.

Vatican calls for trust, responsibility on nuclear technology

Dec 6, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

In order to realize the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons the discourse of the international community surrounding... Read more

Archbishop Mario Zenari, who will be elevated to the cardinalate at the Nov. 19 consistory, speaks at a Sept. 2015 conference.

'Beloved' Syria's new cardinal a sign of the Pope's closeness

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has said that Francis’ decision to give a red hat to the longtime... Read more

Pope Francis meets with Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, April 21, 2016.

Papal nuncio to US bishops: mercy will heal wounds of division

Nov 14, 2016

By Matt Hadro

The Church needs to “be on the move” to bring Christ to young people in an ever-changing world, Pope Francis’... Read more

Reported bishop ordinations in China not authorized by Holy See

Nov 7, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

A statement made by the Vatican on Monday declared that unverified reports of bishop ordinations taking place within the so-called... Read more

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

Holy See and Benin sign agreement on Church’s legal status

Oct 22, 2016

By Elise Harris

The Holy See and the Republic of Benin have signed an agreement formally recognizing the legal status of the Catholic... Read more