All articles - Vatican

Beijing tries to reopen dialogue with Vatican as they compete for Ukraine mediation role

Beijing has refused to accept the Vatican as a mediator in the war in Ukraine but the two parties are nevertheless trying to normalise their relations. The Chinese Communist Party could, therefore, take a more flexible approach on certain issues important to the Holy See.

Ultra-nationalists take swipe at Pope's Russian relays

With the tacit approval of their chaperons in the Russian Orthodox Church and intelligence services, nationalist and religious activists have been waging a coordinated campaign against Pope Francis and his Muscovite networks over the past few weeks.

Vatican keen to bring Russian and French sherpas to the negotiating table

After putting out feelers in different European capitals, Pope Francis' team is hoping to bring the French and Russian presidential diplomatic advisers at the Vatican together to discuss Ukraine. The invitation was welcomed by Moscow.

Unlikely alliance in Moscow pushes for Pope Francis Nobel Peace Prize nomination

The World Union of Old Believers in Moscow, which maintains mixed relations with the Kremlin and the Orthodox Church, has joined forces with the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize winning journalist Dmitry Muratov to campaign for the pontiff to be nominated for the prestigious prize.

The Intelligence Gazette
Mossad attack on Iran, War economy discussed at French National Assembly, Rondot gets a biography, Russian mobilisation, Nippon Foundation head meets the Pope, Russian security council reshuffled

Appointments, reforms and key issues: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community. This week, we visit Tehran, Paris, Rome and Moscow.

Israel/IranMossad satisfied by latest operation against Iran

FranceNational Assembly studies defence group financing

FranceIntelligence veteran Rondot gets a biography

RussiaMobilisation and conscription continue to split the elites

Japan/VaticanNippon Foundation president meets Pope Francis

RussiaNikolai Patrushev's inner circle remodelled

Japan tries charm offensive on Vatican City

The Japanese authorities have asked the Sasakawa Peace Foundation to resume its collaborative work with the Holy See as a way for Japan to play a role in negotiations between Pope Francis and Xi Jinping.

War in Ukraine: San Marino offers to be Vatican's diplomatic pedestal

Two consultants, one French, the other Russian, are working to shape and then promote Pope Francis's mediation efforts with Moscow and Kyiv. They would like to see the microstate of San Marino play host to future talks.

Moscow ready to welcome the pope...but only after the war

Pope Francis had to hold off plans to visit Russia as part of his efforts to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow. The Russian Orthodox Church, which also wants to play a role in resolution of the conflict, is trying to adopt a more open position.

War in Ukraine: Vatican and Patriarch of Moscow rally their networks

While the Vatican is trying to position itself as a neutral negotiator between Moscow and Kyiv, the Patriarch of Moscow is looking for ways to counter his own increasing isolation.