The Vatican and the DRC

A highly influential player on the international stage, the Holy See is a diplomatic power to be reckoned with. The Holy See's apostolic interests in the DRC are more important than its political interests. Vatican diplomacy is apparently neutral in the face of the antagonistic relationship between the local Catholic Church and Congolese political power. This is in line with the principles of non-interference and respect for state sovereignty that guide diplomatic relations between states, but also and very much in line with Church doctrine. All in all, diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the DRC have been influenced by the tug-of-war that characterizes the Congolese episcopate's antagonistic relationship with political power.