Kozlov V. Diplomacy of the Holy See in the modern system of international relations.

The thesis is dedicated to the analysis of the Holy See diplomacy role, main directions, forms, methods and content from the beginning of the post-bipolar system of international relations forming to the end of John Paul II pontificate. In the paper main categories of the research are determined, particularly the following ones: "diplomacy", "Holy See", "Vatican", "Catholic church" and "modern system of international relations". The functioning and formation basics of the Holy See diplomatic service is illustrated. The Holy See diplomatic service adapts in an effective way to a world modern diplomatic practice trends and at the same time keeps its particular dualism: fulfillment of ecclesiastic and diplomatic missions. The main directions of the Holy See diplomatic activity in the modern system of international relations are determined and elucidated, namely bilateral diplomacy of the Apostolic capital character and particularities, activity of the Holy See (Vatican) in the system of multilateral diplomacy as well as peacekeeping activity of the papacy.The content and dynamic of the relations development between the Holy See and Ukraine and issues in these bilateral relations are revealed. The Holy See draws an important attention to Ukraine not only due to the fact of counting in the Ukrainian territory a significant number of catholic comparing with others former soviet republics, but owing to a possibility to realize its spiritual interests in the East, aimed at reunion with orthodox churches.