Soft power, hard principles: the Holy See, natural law, and the global refugee crisis

Abstract

This thesis examines the Holy See’s use of soft power to influence international migration law through natural law and Catholic Social Teaching (CST), focusing on its role in the Mediterranean and Latin American migration crises. Unlike traditional states, the Vatican wields moral rather than military or economic power, framing migration as a human rights issue rooted in human dignity. Central to this is natural law, which upholds the right to migrate as an inherent moral claim. Pope Francis has played a key role in advancing this vision through symbolic gestures, such as visits to Lampedusa and Lesbos, and diplomatic advocacy emphasizing solidarity, dignity, and family unity. These efforts helped reframe global migration policy toward a more compassionate approach. While it is limited by its lack of formal legislative authority, the Vatican’s dual status as a sovereign state and spiritual leader gives it significant influence in shaping opinion and policy.