Oshchypok I. The activity of the Holy See in world politics.

The experience of the beginning of the XXI century. demonstrates the increasing influence of the religious factor on world politics. Religion continues to influence international relations and economic development, global, regional and national politics. The participation of the Catholic Church in this process plays an important role. The international presence of the Holy See, as the central governing body of the Catholic Church, is the result of the Holy See's millennial activity, which is part of the special presence of Catholics in the international community. The study is devoted to the analysis of the Holy See in world politics - a special actor which combines the properties of a transnational non-governmental organization and a sovereign state. This dissertation examines the foreign policy priorities of the Holy See and the main aspects of its diplomatic tools during the pontificate of Pope Francis. The effectiveness of the Holy See's foreign policy and diplomacy is achieved by combining its two foundations and the experience of transnational messianic activity. The dissertation substantiates the theoretical and methodological principles and documentary source base of the study. Theoretical aspects and methodological tools for studying the activities of the Holy See in world politics are presented. The dissertation research is based on a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach, which involves the use of a number of theoretical approaches that complement each other.