Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Pope Francis’s personal envoy for the Ukraine conflict, emphasized the significance of multilateralism in addressing contemporary issues. Speaking in a video message for a “soft power” conference in Venice, Zuppi highlighted the importance of cooperation among various states and international actors in fostering understanding, discussion, and effective decision-making.
Zuppi noted that the concept of multilateralism counters the dominance of global affairs by superpowers, fostering a vision of shared responsibility. He referred to Pope Francis’s encyclical “Fratelli tutti,” which calls for greater human solidarity, and stressed the need to translate this vision into practical actions.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by Europe, Zuppi acknowledged that while multilateralism offers a clear vision, it requires a stronger institutional structure to effectively address the complexities of modern global challenges.
Zuppi’s remarks echoed Pope Francis’s repeated emphasis on the importance of multilateralism in international diplomacy. The Pope has highlighted the need for parties to engage in good faith, fair negotiations, and compromise, and has warned against unilateral solutions and the domination of powerful nations over weaker ones.
The “soft power” conference, organized by the “Soft Power Club,” highlighted the role of persuasion and shared ideals in bringing diverse actors together. Zuppi emphasized the need for soft power, alongside economic and military strength, to navigate the changing world and its crises.
In conclusion, Zuppi underscored the urgency of finding new ways to express a multilateral vision, recognizing the importance of collectively caring for and preserving the shared global space we inhabit.
