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The essay describes - through unpublished documentation - the diplomatic work of Italy and the Holy See to gradually reintegrate Gaddafi of Libya into a system of peaceful relationships around the Mediterranean basin, combined with a system of guarantees for the Catholic community present in Libya. These objectives have seen a convergence of Italian foreign policy led by Andreotti and the pacification projects of John Paul II, with a view to the future of relationships between the North and South of the world, between Christianity and Islam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cruelty of the First World War changed many lives, dividing communities, as well as the society as a whole. The intent of Benedict XV was to limit as much as possible the damage of the war. Many bishops were committed to take care of their flocks putting aside patriotic feelings; others were unpopular for their obstinacy and inflexibility, causing a number of problems for the Holy See. Benedict XV had to do with shepherds who were often naive and others who were all-too-clever, at all however, as a true father he counseled prudence and wisdom to each of them for the good of Italy and the good of the Church. The call for peace of this «prophet unheard», can now be completely collected and made fruitful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using material conserved in the Secret Vatican Archives, this article examines the position of the Holy See in the First World War. In particular, it focuses on the reasons why Benedict XV tried to keep Italy out of the conflict. The Holy See's apparent preference for the imperial powers seems to have been influenced by the perception within the Roman Curia that the outbreak of war would lead to the fuelling of radical nationalist movements. To this general issue we must add the fact that when Italy entered the war, the field of action of the Holy See's diplomacy would be weakened by the lack of territorial sovereignty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papal ambassador is called nuncio. The term nuncio means messenger, and it is used as a name for papal ambassadors from the beginning of XVI century. Nuncios represent the Holy See in other countries, usually with the ecclesiastical rank of titular archbishop, but the also serve as a liaison with the Roman Catholic Church in the country of their accreditation. First papal envoys represented Pope on church councils as early as in fourth century. Later on, papal representatives to Byzantine emperor, called apocrisiaries were sent. It was important position in the Holy See's hierarchy, and some of the apocrisiaries became popes. First modern papal ambassador, Apostolic Nuncio to Venice, was named in 1500. Many other followed, including papal nuncios to other Italian countries, France, Spain, and, particularly after Reformation, to German countries. Number of nunciatures across the globe has risen significantly in XIX century, and position of the Holy See in international relations was further improved after Lateran Accords with Italy were signed on February 11, 1929. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]