Pope Francis advocates for "cultural diplomacy" amid global conflicts

Pope Francis on Saturday expressed his concern about the ongoing, dangerous conflict on a global scale, which is occurring in the form of dispersed, local conflicts. He noted that we cannot remain indifferent in the face of such a situation.

During a meeting with a delegation from the Pontifical Committee of Historical Sciences, the Holy Father emphasized that "ideologies kill". He expressed the belief that it is necessary to introduce "cultural diplomacy" and dialogue as tools to combat this phenomenon.

Pope Francis met with the delegation of the Committee in the Vatican on the occasion of its 60th anniversary. During the audience, he highlighted the role that "cultural diplomacy" should play. According to him, it should be supported by the meeting and cooperation of scientists studying different cultures and religions. He also emphasized how important dialogue is, which always "respecting the truth" and is "free from any ideology."

The Holy Father also noted that the Church "does not belong to any particular culture". Instead, it desires to enliven the heart of every culture through a gentle and courageous testimony of the Gospel. This action aims to build together a "civilization of encounter".

Pope Francis contrasted this vision with the "incivility of confrontation", fueled by "temptations of self-absorbed individualism and the ideological affirmation of one’s own point of view". He was convinced that such an approach leads to conflicts and divisions instead of understanding and cooperation.