ABSTRACT
American humorist and essayist Elwyn Brooks White seldom bothered to conceal his disdain for conventional diplomacy. But White might be pleasantly surprised to learn that the diplomatic style shown by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger since he assumed the papacy on April 19, 2005, could well be described as a “Diplomacy of Candor.” Pope Benedict believes that diplomacy is a public service intended primarily to safeguard the common interests of mankind. He has deplored the folly of diplomatic preference for interests more nationalist than global, more restrictive than broadly applicable. Pope Benedict’s commitment to using diplomacy to advocate for the incorporation of practical interfaith dialogue in the affairs of state is perhaps best illustrated by his approach to Iraq. The priority on using the skills and tools of diplomacy for active peacemaking is evident in other areas as well.
