Pope Francis Presents "State of the World Address"

"Following up a year that saw a reinvigorated Vatican diplomacy flex its clout to achieve a breakthrough in US-Cuba relations and attempt one in the Holy Land, this morning brought the Pope's traditional New Year greeting to the ambassadors accredited to the Holy See, long known as the Vatican's 'State of the World' speech.

"Historically esteemed as a key 'listening post' given the church's sprawling apparatus of charitable, educational and humanitarian works in practically every corner of the globe, as Catholicism's sovereign entity, the Holy See currently maintains full bilateral relations with 180 countries. Since Russia agreed to full relations in 2011, the most conspicuous absence from the list remains mainland China as the Vatican recognizes Taiwan – a situation the Communist authorities in Beijing have maintained as an insurmountable obstacle to a concordat, while concerns over religious freedom in the People's Republic loom large on Rome's end. The few other states lacking a Nunciature include North Korea, Vietnam, most of the Arabian Peninsula and the Palestinian State."

In a recent commentary, writer Rocco Palmo reported on the Pope's address, and he included its full text.

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Whispers in the Loggia: The Pope's "State of the World" - Amid Cuba Triumph and Diplomatic Bulk-Up, Francis Spins the Globe (12 JAN 15)