Activities of the Catholic Church in the International Arena: Position of Pope Benedict XVI

The article analyzes the diplomatic activity of the Catholic Church on the internationalarena in the views of Pope Benedict XVI. The article briefly describes the activities of the Catholic Church and the Holy See in the international arena. An analysis of the interconnection between the Catholic Church and the Holy See is made, which is conditioned by the factual merger of the legal order of these institutions. The mission of the Church in the international activities is analyzed. The main focus of the article is made on the views of Pope Benedict XVI on the international activities of the Catholic Church and the Holy See. The article considers the main ideas of the Pope regarding international activities of the Catholic Church and the Holy See, as well as the proposals of Benedict XVI to the international community. Benedict XVI’s critics of the United Nations structures were analyzed, as well as his proposals regarding United Nations reforms and the formation of «true world political authority». Also, the article considered issues that were actualized by Pope Benedict XVI on the international scene, namely: the protection of human rights and freedoms, the protection of religious freedom, responsibility for protection, the issue of peace and refugees. Keywords: Catholic Church, Holy See, Vatican, diplomacy, international relations