Thursday, July 26, 2007

Papal diplomacy

The Economist has an article on the Papal diplomatic service and its reputation around the world. To make a long story short, they're tireless and efficient or so we're led to believe.

But what interests me more is the editorial stance of the article to the effect that the Holy See should drop its status as a sovereign entity and start being the largest NGO of the world. But would that be the best method of getting across the Catholic message in an institutional way? Aside from the historical and traditional points surrounding the Papal States, Vatican City and the juridical status of the Holy See, diplomatic status does have its benefits for the Pope's nuncios.

Read and think about it.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I thought the article was interesting. The subject is a part of my Master's Project.
But I find the last sentece is pretty disappointing. It makes me think, the author after good research, still didn't get the point. It looks as of he didn't realized the fact that papal diplomacy, which is nothing without the Church, is not about promoting moral truths, human rights and/or mere altruism. I believe the Church, our Church, has a message and although we use universal rights to carried the message out, the heart of it all is the fountain of love, God himself. That is what makes the difference between an NGO and THE Church. Who are we to handle without the truth that has been given to us? Would Gallagher had been so heroic without his believe? Would John Paul II had accomplished anything without God?
Of course not. Then please don't asked us to become what we are not.

Best wishes, Csonn