The Holy See and Mexico’s foreign policy

Abstract

In contrast with the actual interest for the Catholic Church’s behavior, increased by Pope Benedict’s resignation and the appointment of the Argentine Pope Francis, our interest is focused in emphasizing the typical characteristics of the Vatican State or Holy See. The questions revolve around the political character of such a religious institution: up until what point the Holy See is a true State, is our main issue. The main argument is supported by the analysis of the opposition between the countries of Western Europe that have evolved, since the sixteenth century, following the model of democratic and collaborative modern states; whereas the Vatican State maintains its traditional features: strictly monarchic, not with citizens but parishioners, and an electorate college appointed exclusively by the reigning Pontiff.