The apostolic responsibilities of diplomats

Abstract

The Apostolic See perceives diplomats as partners in the common efforts to build the international community. Diplomats represent, first and foremost, the interests of their own countries and of their governments, however, they are aware that in the modern globalized world successful politics, economy and culture require constant cooperation between countries and nations. The teaching of the contemporary Church, inspired by the Constitution Gaudium et spes, indicates three major apostolic responsibilities of diplomats: they concern the human person, the community of their own country and nation as well as the international community. The Church introduces the rules of her social science to diplomats to help them implement her apostolic obligations. These rules include: the rule of the common wealth, of fair play and of solidarity. They are effective at all levels of the apostolic activity of the environment of diplomats.