The Vatican’s Stateless Diplomacy

In an age of drones, dossiers, and deterrence, it is striking that one of the most persistent voices for peace comes from a country with no army. Yet, counterintuitively, the Holy See has a storied diplomatic record vis-à-vis international organizations going back to the late 19th century. In 2025, as the war between Russia and Ukraine ground on with no clear resolution, the Holy See quietly signaled its willingness to host or facilitate negotiations. Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Matteo Zuppi in 2023 to lead a renewed “mission of peace,” visiting Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington in an effort not to impose terms but to offer moral clarity and a ‘neutral’ mediator. Although largely ignored by the great powers, the Vatican’s intervention recalled a diplomatic vision that predates the United Nations and liberal internationalism. Read Full Article »