Politics and the papacy

The Catholic pope has a unique place in the world as a religious leader and head of state. Francis has become the most political pope in recent history, particularly through his commentary on global security, immigration and human rights – all carefully within the context of Vatican policy and Catholic teaching.

Under his guidance, the Vatican facilitated discussions between the US and Cuba that led to the reopening of diplomatic relations.

When Europe was struggling to contend with the migration crisis, the pope welcomed refugees to Vatican City and condemned European leaders for ignoring the plight of migrants drowning in the Mediterranean.

This is the peculiar nature of Vatican diplomacy, says the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Peter Wells. “When I see the Holy Father I see him as a religious figure who happens also to have some political aspects because of the religious nature of his work. It’s the same for me. I am a religious figure but I also happen to be representative on a diplomatic level.

“In order to understand our role you have to see us first as religious men who are trying to present the Gospel and we are trying to be as much like Jesus as we can. And Jesus didn’t turn people away.

That is reflected in our diplomacy,” says Wells.