DIPLOMACY OF THE HOLY SEE DURING THE PONTIFICATE OF JOHN PAUL II (1978-2005)

Abstract

Today the diplomacy of the Holy See, by virtue of its professionalism and centuries-old tradition, is considered as one of the best in the world. Its activity is quite different from the activity of other diplomatic services. Functioning based on the premise that religion plays an important role in international relations, the papal legates extremely often refer to ethics and morality in the international forum. During the pontificate of Pope John Paul II diplomacy of the Holy See – for the sake of its specificity – remained a unique phenomenon, having no parallel in history.