Pope’s Visits Enhance Human Rights in Host Country
Pope Paul VI was the first pontiff to embark on foreign travels, setting a precedent for future popes. A recent study indicates that a visit from the Pope can bring significant benefits to the host country. Additionally, the church’s role as a defender of societal interests is strengthened through these visits.
In less than a month, Pope Francis will embark on his 45th and longest foreign trip. The 87-year-old pontiff will visit Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. Like his previous visits, he aims to shed light on the region and potentially instigate political and societal changes. However, what impact does the economically and militarily insignificant Vatican City have on international politics?
Study by University of Brussels and Hamburg
Researchers from the Free University of Brussels and the University of Hamburg conducted a study on the effects of Apostolic Visits on local human rights, yielding positive results. Marek Endrich and Jerk Gutmann analyzed global media coverage of human rights issues in the host country, the content of the Pope’s speeches during the visit, and any potential changes in the number of human rights violations.
They examined 283 state visits by four popes, from Paul VI to Francis, focusing on countries with available data on human rights conditions. The study period concluded in 2019, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Human Rights as a Unique Selling Point
The researchers titled their study „Pacem in Terris“ (Peace on Earth), referencing Pope John XXIII’s 1963 encyclical emphasizing the importance of human rights. The Catholic Church’s commitment to human rights has allowed it to establish an identity as a defender of societal interests. It can set standards for human rights, publicly advocate for their protection, and claim credit for any improvements. Promoting human rights on a large scale has become a key aspect of the Catholic Church’s brand, setting it apart from competitors.
This image helps attract and retain supporters, as well as increase overall membership.
Benefits for Both Parties
In addition to enhancing the Catholic Church’s image, a Papal visit can also benefit the governments of host countries. If a government already has a good human rights record or is willing to make improvements before the visit, praise from the pontiff can strengthen their legitimacy and support potential extensions of their term in office. The presence of the Pope can also enhance the country’s international reputation, particularly in sectors like tourism.
Effects Evident Before the Pope’s Arrival
Positive effects on human rights protection can be observed even before a Papal visit. There are fewer violations leading up to the visit, with instances like the release of prisoners. The improvement process begins when the Vatican accepts the host country’s invitation, continues through the travel planning, and persists after the Pope’s departure. While the enhancements may not increase further post-visit, they do not regress to the original level.
Contribution of the Media
According to the researchers, the improvement in human rights due to a Papal visit is equivalent to around one-third of the expected deterioration from a successful coup. International media play a significant role in these positive effects, intensifying coverage of the host country during the Pope’s visit. The number of articles on human rights issues doubles compared to normal times during a Papal visit.
The Catch: Success Only in Democracies
The study reveals that the decrease in human rights violations following a Papal visit is not linked to the number of Catholics in the country or the population’s income but rather to the form of government. Democratic nations consistently respond to the Pope, whereas positive outcomes in non-democratic countries are rare. This disparity is attributed to democratic governments expecting increased media attention on human rights issues and recognition of their efforts by the Pope.
The researchers also found that a Pope’s birthplace has a high likelihood of being a travel destination, raising hopes for a potential visit to Argentina in November. However, the frequency of foreign trips declines with the Pope’s advancing age.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the significant impact of Papal visits on human rights in host countries, highlighting the influential role of the Catholic Church in promoting and defending these rights globally.
