![Image by Martin Schulz [ European Union 2014 - European Parliament]](https://www.e-ir.info/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/78897/Image-by-Martin-Schulz-384x250-c.jpg)
Papal dialogue with Islam will not solve all problems but the way to Abu Dhabi has had an impact on the public and political constellation of world politics.
The Pope’s visit to the United Arab Emirates signals that the Gulf states have much to gain and little to lose from aligning themselves with the West.
Whilst populist movements have shown to be able to exploit sacral tradition, regal and religious institutions can equally employ resources to oppose populist agendas
The Catholic Church sees itself as a universal association of believers in a Christian God, serves to enlarge normative space in IR, and deploys Faith and Hope as values for global society.
The Holy See, lacking a territorial agenda, plays a unique role around the world today, and its diplomacy remains as relevant to humanity in the 21st century as it has been in the past.
Pope Francis resembles Pope John XXIII more than any other pope of the past 50 years, and signs are positive he will be a shining example for interreligious dialogue and social justice.
In his actions on the world stage the conservatism of Pope Francis will overshadow his radicalism, but he has shown a radical side by taking the name of St. Francis of Assisi.
The election of Pope Francis is obviously significant for millions of Roman Catholics all over the world, but its importance for international relations is not immediately apparent.
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