Pope Francis takes Vatican diplomacy to new levels

Pope Francis is now being referred to as the 'Pope of Politics'

Pope Francis is being called a "Pope of Politics" for his steadfast approach on many of the world's toughest issues.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The Pope is a leader "unafraid of mixing theology and politics," according to Reuters.

So far during his time as Pope, Francis has helped create a historic accord between the United States and Cuba, something seemingly impossible after half a century of hostility. Pope Francis referred to the massacre of 1.5 million Armenians in Turkey in the early 20th century as a "genocide."

And most recently, adding to his controversial steps forward, Pope Francis announced the "first formal accord" between the State of Palestine and the Vatican, giving legal weight to recognition of Palestinian statehood, "despite clear Israeli annoyance," according to Reuters.

"He's someone who's capable of praying in the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and then talking about the Armenian genocide. He's not someone who's bound by political correctness," said former Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini to Reuters. "It's the diplomacy of a real leader."

According to Reuters, much of Pope Francis' efforts are tied to bettering the relationships between different faiths, although his diplomacy is not as defined as that of Pope John Paul II, who also played an active role in Vatican diplomacy.

Because of Pope Franics' Latin American origin, he has had to work to avoid taking sides on cultural issues.

Aside from dealing within the inner Vatican bureaucracy, like financial and sexual scandals, he shows a distinct interest in how the outside world works. "He appears determined to use his position and the huge global audience he commands to challenge entrenched diplomatic positions as well," explained Reuters in their article title, "Pope Francis extends agenda of change to Vatican diplomacy."

Although many around the world praise Pope Francis, making him one of the most popular pope's in history, there are some conservative Catholics who do not agree with the Pope's focus on issues involving economic injustice, homosexuality and the status of divorced people.

"It is a point where he will be particularly tested in September on his upcoming visit to the United States, where some conservative U.S. Catholics are openly hostile," according to Reuters.

"Bishops complain that he becomes popular by attacking the Church," said Franco. "He speaks directly to the people and doesn't respect the usual command structures. He decides on his own or with people who are not those who previously had a central role."

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