Pope to new ambassadors: ‘The world is weary of war'

By Lisa Zengarini

Pope Francis accepted the Credential Letters presented by eleven new Ambassadors to the Holy See. The nations they represent are India, Jordan, Denmark, Luxembourg, São Tomé and Principe, Rwanda, Turkmenistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Welcoming the diplomats to the Vatican on Saturday, the Pope remarked that their mission begins at a particularly critical time for international diplomacy as the world faces pressing challenges such as the devastating impact of climate change, especially on developing nations and the poorest members of society, armed conflicts, and the plight of migrants and refugees.

The patient work of diplomacy

These issues, he remarked ,"have no simple solution, nor are can they be resolved by the actions of one nation or a small group of states,“ but only through a concerted effort of all nations which requires a “patient work of diplomacy.”

The Holy See's "positive neutrality" to resolve conflicts

In this context,  Pope Francis reminded the ambassadors of the Holy See's ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue, reconciliation, mutual understanding, respect for the dignity and rights of each individual and people and its diplomatic efforts to contribute to the resolution of conflicts through the exercise of "positive neutrality," by making clear their intrinsic ethical dimension.

He recalled that history has shown that “quiet, patient and persistent diplomatic efforts inspired by mutual respect, goodwill and moral conviction” can contribute to resolving even “seemingly intractable situations”. “Indeed,” he said, “many current global problems are longstanding, which rather than discouraging us should prompt us to look for new and innovative solutions. “

Sow seeds of hope in our war-weary world

Concluding his speech, Pope Francis called for hope which will be the central theme of the 2025 Jubilee and encouraged the diplomatic community accredited to the Holy See to continue working with courage and creativity in promoting bonds of friendship, cooperation and dialogue in the service of peace.  “Your work, often quiet and hidden, will help to plant the seeds of a future of hope for our war-weary world,” he said.