Vatican Diplomacy in Uzbekistan

This article offers a comprehensive analysis of diplomatic relations between the Holy Apostolic See and the Republic of Uzbekistan in the twenty-first century, as well as the Vatican’s religious activity in the country since the establishment of bilateral relations in 1992. Despite its long-standing presence and universalist agenda, the Vatican has achieved only limited success in consolidating its influence within this secular post-Soviet republic. The article identifies the main factors constraining the effectiveness and influence of Catholic diplomacy in Uzbekistan. According to the authors, these include the government’s strict regulation of religious life, which tightly controls the activities of religious organizations; the historically small and ethnically distinct Catholic community; and the dominant position of the Russian Orthodox Church within the non-Muslim religious landscape of Uzbekistan. At present, dialogue between the Vatican and the Government of Uzbekistan remains confined to technical-level contacts between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Apostolic Nunciature, with no high-level visits. The authors highlight the establishment of a minimal church infrastructure, the development of social outreach through religious orders and nonprofit organizations, and participation in interfaith dialogue as some of the Vatican’s modest achievements. The article concludes that, under existing constraints, the Vatican’s strategy in Uzbekistan has shifted from evangelization toward sustaining existing communities and employing legally permissible forms of “soft power”, such as cultural and charitable initiatives. This dynamic defines the prospects of bilateral relations as stable yet lacking potential for significant advancement. Due to the country’s secular political framework, the Holy See’s diplomacy in Uzbekistan remains largely confined to maintaining interreligious dialogue.