Pope Francis and the International Relations

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Pope Francis' speech at the United Nations, 2015.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome and Head of State of Vatican City, stands out as an influential figure in international relations, promoting peace, interreligious dialogue, and the defense of human rights. His pontificate has been marked by significant diplomatic efforts, including mediation in conflicts, criticism of restrictive migration policies, and a commitment to environmental preservation. Furthermore, Pope Francis plays a fundamental role as an international mediator, encouraging negotiations and contributing to the easing of tensions between nations.

Rapprochement between the US and Cuba (2014)

Pope Francis arrives in Havana and is received by Cuban leader Raúl Castro, 2015. Photo: AL DIAZ

The Vatican played a crucial role in mediating negotiations between Barack Obama and Raúl Castro, significantly contributing to the restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba after decades of tension.

During his announcement regarding policy changes toward Cuba on December 17, 2014, then-President of the United States, Barack Obama, expressed his appreciation for Pope Francis, stating: "In particular, I want to thank His Holiness Pope Francis, whose moral example shows us the importance of pursuing the world as it should be, rather than simply settling for the world as it is."

Obama also highlighted the Pope's personal involvement in the process of normalizing bilateral diplomatic relations, which had been severed since 1961 when the U.S. Congress imposed the embargo on Cuba. On the same date, Cuban President Raúl Castro declared: "I want to express my gratitude and recognition for the support of the Vatican and especially of Pope Francis in improving relations between Cuba and the United States."

In turn, the Vatican, through the Secretariat of State, issued an official statement expressing its satisfaction with the diplomatic progress between the two countries: "The Holy Father is deeply pleased with the historic decision of the Governments of the United States of America and Cuba to establish diplomatic relations in order to overcome, in the interest of their respective citizens, the difficulties that have marked their history."

Encyclical Laudato Si’ (2015) 

This is a fundamental document that denounces global warming, environmental degradation, and the excessive exploitation of natural resources. The work applies the concept of integral ecology to the political context, highlighting the interconnection between the environment, the economy, and social justice. Furthermore, it advocates for the need for international agreements on environmental protection and support for low-income countries, as well as the implementation of new national and local policies. The document also emphasizes the importance of inclusive and transparent decision-making processes, along with an economy structured for the common good.

Crisis in Venezuela (2016 – present)

Pope Francis greets Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro at a meeting at the Vatican, 2013. Photo: America Magazine

The Vatican has sought to act as a mediator between Nicolás Maduro’s government and the Venezuelan opposition on several occasions:

• 2016: At the invitation of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), Pope Francis assumed the role of mediator to facilitate dialogue between Maduro and the opposition. However, the lack of commitment between the parties prevented significant progress.

  
  

• 2019: The Vatican received a delegation from Juan Guaidó, the self-proclaimed president of Venezuela, who accepted the Pope’s offer to mediate the country’s political crisis.

In recent years, Pope Francis has repeatedly condemned the suffering of the Venezuelan people, highlighting the humanitarian crisis resulting from hunger and economic collapse, which have forced millions to leave the country, as well as political repression, including arbitrary arrests and censorship of the opposition, along with shortages of medicine and the precarious state of the healthcare system. In a speech delivered in January 2025, the pontiff reaffirmed these appeals, insisting on the urgent need for solutions to the crisis in Venezuela.

United Arab Emirates (2019)

Pope Francis greets the Grand Imam of Azhar of Egypt, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, 2019. Photo: Vincenzo Pinto / AFP - Getty Images

The document Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, signed in Abu Dhabi by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed el-Tayeb, represents a milestone in the dialogue between Christianity and Islam. The text advocates for peace between Christians and Muslims, calls for an end to wars, and firmly condemns terrorism and violence, especially those motivated by religious reasons.

Synod for the Amazon (2019)

The Synod for the Amazon, held in October 2019 at the Vatican, was an event convened by Pope Francis to discuss the challenges of evangelization, social justice, and the environment in the Amazon region. The gathering brought together bishops, missionaries, indigenous leaders, and experts to address the protection of traditional peoples and the preservation of the forest.

Inspired by the encyclical Laudato Si’, the synod emphasized the interdependence between ecology and social justice, proposing a sustainable model that respects both the environment and local communities.

During the debates, deforestation, the predatory exploitation of natural resources, and violations of indigenous rights were denounced. There was a strong appeal for the Church to take an active role in defending the Amazon and its peoples.

The synod also recognized the importance of women in the evangelization of the region and suggested greater female participation in ecclesial ministries.

As a result, the synod's final document was presented to Pope Francis, who responded with the apostolic exhortation Querida Amazonia (2020). In it, the pontiff outlined four great dreams for the Amazon:

1. Social dream – Justice for indigenous and riverside peoples.

2. Cultural dream – Appreciation of Amazonian traditions and knowledge.

3. Ecological dream – Commitment to the preservation of the forest.

4. Ecclesial dream – A Church with an Amazonian identity, close to local communities.

The synod reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to environmental protection, the dignity of Amazonian peoples, and contextualized evangelization, promoting an integrated vision of faith, culture, and ecology.

COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)

Pope Francis prays alone and grants plenary indulgence for pandemic at the Vatican, 2020. Photo: CNN

On March 27, 2020, in one of the most symbolic moments of the pandemic, Pope Francis held a solitary prayer in the empty St. Peter’s Square under heavy rain. The event, broadcast live, marked the beginning of the global health crisis and served as a call for solidarity and hope. On that occasion, Francis emphasized the need for global unity, criticized individualism and inequality in combating the pandemic, and reinforced the importance of faith in the face of suffering.

The Pope was also one of the strongest advocates of vaccination among religious leaders, calling the vaccine "an act of love" and a "moral duty." He denounced vaccine nationalism, criticizing the stockpiling of doses by wealthy countries while poorer nations remained unassisted. Furthermore, he condemned inequality in healthcare access, stating that "no one should be left behind," and criticized leaders and governments who downplayed the severity of the pandemic or ignored scientific recommendations.

The Vatican created an emergency financial and humanitarian aid fund to support poor dioceses affected by the economic collapse caused by the pandemic, with an initial contribution of $750,000. 

Visit to Iraq (2021)

Pope Francis and Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Al-Husayni Al-Sistani in Iraq, 2021. Photo: AFP

The first visit of a leader of the Catholic Church to Iraq marked a historic moment for interreligious dialogue. During the trip, Pope Francis met with Shiite leader Ali al-Sistani, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and friendship between Christians and Muslims, based on mutual respect and dialogue.

In a statement, Sistani emphasized that religious and spiritual leadership must play an essential role in overcoming tragedies, urging major powers to prioritize wisdom and common sense over the language of war.

The Pope also listened to testimonies from Catholics and followers of other religions about the challenges faced under the rule of the Islamic State and called for an end to violence, urging that "weapons fall silent." His official visit included stops in Baghdad, Mosul, Erbil, Najaf, Qaraqosh, and Ur.

War in Ukraine (2022–present)

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Pope Francis at the Vatican, 2019. Photo: Associated Press

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Pope Francis has repeatedly condemned the war and has sent tons of humanitarian aid to refugees. The pontiff has also criticized the arms industry, stating that the arms trade contributes to the perpetuation of global conflicts. In this context, the Vatican has sought to act as a mediator between Moscow and Kyiv, offering to facilitate peace negotiations.

In May 2023, the Pope sent Cardinal Matteo Zuppi to Moscow and Kyiv to engage in dialogue with both parties. During his mission, Zuppi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv and, in Moscow, with Yuri Ushakov, assistant to the President of the Russian Federation for Foreign Policy Affairs, and Maria L’vova-Belova, Russia’s commissioner for children's rights, to discuss the repatriation of Ukrainian minors. 

Pope Francis meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a private audience at the Vatican, 2023. Photo: Vatican Media

In October 2024, Zelensky was received by Pope Francis at the Vatican for the second time since the beginning of the war and requested his assistance in securing the release of Ukrainian citizens held captive by Russia. Months before this meeting, Francis had already argued that Ukraine should have the courage to negotiate and end the conflict.

The pontiff continues to emphasize that dialogue and negotiations are essential to ending the war, warning of the risks of escalating the conflict, including the massive shipment of weapons to Ukraine by Western countries. Francis insists that war is never the solution and calls for diplomacy to prevail, positioning himself as one of the few international voices seeking to mediate the crisis between Ukraine and Russia.

Environmental issues (2022)

July: the Vatican City State formalized its accession to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), whose objective is to stabilize the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The instrument of accession was delivered by the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the UN, Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, in New York, reaffirming the Vatican’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions before 2050.

November: the Holy See participated for the first time as a State Party to the Convention at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), consolidating its engagement in global discussions on the climate crisis.

Israel-Palestine conflict (20th century - present)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walks with Pope Francis on the red carpet at a welcoming ceremony as the pope arrives in Israel for his first official visit to the region, 2014. Photo: Avi Ohayon/GPO/Flash90

Pope Francis has been a constant voice in favor of peace and humanitarian solidarity in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, especially in the context of the crisis in Gaza. In the face of successive escalations of violence, he reiterates his opposition to war and emphasizes the importance of a peaceful solution for the region, always highlighting human dignity and the need to protect civilians.

Francis supports the two-state solution, advocating for the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel as the best way to ensure peace and security for both peoples. In his statements, he reinforces the importance of dialogue, not only among political leaders but also among religious leaders of all traditions, to promote reconciliation.

The pontiff has made international appeals for greater diplomatic engagement by world leaders, seeking to break the cycle of violence. He frequently offers public prayers for victims on both sides, condemning the killing of innocent civilians and calling for lasting peace in the region.

Francis also criticizes the inaction of the international community in resolving the conflict, expressing disappointment with the lack of progress in peace negotiations and the continued neglect of the rights of the Palestinian people. He reinforces the need for an effective political solution that respects the dignity and rights of all those involved.

The city of Jerusalem, a central point of tension, is another recurring theme in the Pope’s speeches. He advocates for the internationalization of Jerusalem, proposing that the city be a place of peaceful coexistence for all religions, rather than a territory claimed exclusively by any of the disputing parties. Francis reaffirms that Jerusalem should be a symbol of peace, guaranteeing the rights of Jews, Muslims, and Christians.

The Vatican also supports UN initiatives to implement humanitarian ceasefires and measures to protect civilians. In addition, the Holy See has promoted and encouraged humanitarian aid efforts for the victims of the war in Gaza, especially through Catholic organizations such as:

• Caritas Internationalis, which provides food, water, and medical assistance to refugees.

• The Order of Malta, which operates hospitals and emergency services in Palestinian territories.

• Catholic hospitals in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, which treat victims of the war regardless of their religion.

Pope Francis also regularly calls for donations and expressions of solidarity from the global Catholic community to support those most affected by the conflict, reinforcing the Church’s commitment to peace and justice in the region.

Francis has stood out for a leadership based on social justice, interreligious dialogue, and the defense of human dignity on several global fronts. His actions in international relations, humanitarian crises, and environmental issues reflect a commitment to building a more supportive and sustainable world. In this way, the pontiff positions himself as a global leader of dialogue, inclusion, and justice, promoting values such as solidarity, peace, and care for creation. His pontificate continues to be a call for humanity to unite in building a more fraternal and sustainable future.

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