La diplomazia pastorale di Mons. Roncalli tra Sofia e Istanbul

The episcopal ministry of Monsignor Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli makes it clear the link between “faith” and “diplomacy”. His “pastoral diplomacy” was particularly effective between 1925 and 1953, his years as Papal Representative. In Bulgaria the future John XXIII, Visitor and Delegate Apostolic between 1925 and 1934, had to cope with thorny affairs, such as the Royal Wedding and the Royal Baptism. He was nevertheless able to maintain good relations with the Royal House without altering Catholic doctrine. Appointed Apostolic Delegate to Turkey (and Greece), Roncalli was ignored by the new Republic of Mustafa Kemal, which pursued a policy of marked secularization. He therefore inspired his mission to the principle “flectar, non frangar”, agreed not to wear the cassock without protesting exceedingly, and succeeded in reducing the area of litigation with the Government. Towards the end of 1944 Archbishop Roncalli became Apostolic Nuncio to France: it can be assumed that his soft diplomacy, full of pastoral spirit, had been particularly appreciated by Pope Pius XII, who sent him to normalize the important but strained relations with the “Eldest Daughter” of the Church.