Nuncio says church's diplomacy rooted in its religious, moral nature

Published: 2004-11-24

NEW YORK (CNS) -- The Vatican nuncio to the United Nations said in a lecture Nov. 22 that the validity of Catholic participation in international diplomacy is historically rooted and widely acknowledged, but the church's participation has "characteristics that set it apart" from the diplomacy of others. "The Holy See acts in the international arena according to its nature and ends, which are essentially religious, moral and humanitarian," said Archbishop Celestino Migliore. It does not engage in military affairs, territorial disputes or the international trade and financial activity that absorb much of the normal diplomatic routine, he noted. Nor, he added, can it rely on military or economic muscle to advance its interests. Its authority comes from religious and ethical factors, the nuncio said. Archbishop Migliore made the remarks in delivering the annual Merton Lecture at the chapel of Columbia University in New York. Supported by an endowment and co-sponsored by the Catholic Campus Ministry of Columbia and Barnard College, the lecture is named for Trappist Father Thomas Merton, who entered the Catholic Church in 1938 while a student at Columbia.

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .