Pope Francis ’s annual Audience for Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Pope Francis “State of the world” address to the Diplomatic Corps
On 9th of January 2024, Pope Francis delivered his ‘State of the World’ address at the annual Audience for Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, sharing his vision for a ‘diplomacy of hope’ grounded in truth, forgiveness, freedom, and justice.
The Holy Father noted the world’s struggles with numerous conflicts, acts of terror, societal tensions, and the emergence of new divisions among people. He urged everyone to abandon a “logic of confrontation” in favor of a “logic of encounter,” advocating for a future where we are not lost but are instead advancing as hopeful pilgrims, both as individuals and communities dedicated to fostering peace.
He stated that all individuals possess an inherent thirst for truth and yearn for uplifting news that addresses humanity’s need for salvation from suffering. At the same time, he remarked that “hardly any corner of our world has been left untouched by the broad cultural transformation brought about by the rapid advances in technology, whose alignment to commercial interests is increasingly evident, generating a culture rooted in consumerism,” which often align with commercial interests and foster a consumerist culture.
In response, he asserted that a diplomacy of hope must also be a “diplomacy of truth,” which connects reality, truth, and knowledge to establish a common language grounded in reality. Language plays a critical role in diplomatic relations, he noted, lamenting attempts to alter the meanings of terms or reinterpret human rights treaties unilaterally.
The Pope further called for a “diplomacy of forgiveness,” which seeks to heal relationships harmed by hatred and violence, focusing on caring for victims. He urged the international community to end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, highlighting the significant toll these conflicts have taken on innocent lives. “At the same time,” he added, “it must also be pointed out that war is fuelled by the continued proliferation of ever more sophisticated and destructive weapons,” reiterating his belief that “war is always a failure.”
Pope Francis also mentioned ongoing conflicts in Myanmar, Sudan, the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, Mozambique, and the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He condemned rising instances of anti-Semitism and persecution of Christian communities. “There can be no true peace without the guarantee of religious freedom, which entails respect for the conscience of individuals and the possibility of publicly manifesting one’s faith and membership in a community” he stated. The Pope conveyed his hopes for Syria’s future, asserting that all Syrians, including Christians, should partake in the nation’s common good.
Pope Francis then advocated for a “diplomacy of freedom,” aimed at ending human trafficking, drug addiction, and other forms of modern slavery. He called on all nations to support victims of human trafficking and migrants seeking a better life, while emphasizing the need to address the underlying causes of displacement.
A diplomacy of hope, he remarked, must also be a “diplomacy of justice,” asserting that peace cannot exist without justice. He highlighted the Jubilee year’s plea for the forgiveness of debts, whether societal or fiscal. “I reiterate my call for the death penalty to be eliminated in every nation, since it finds no justification today among the instruments capable of restoring justice” he said.
Images
- Photo by Claudio Hirschberger on Unsplash