The Evangelical Pope | The Significance of Moral Values

Moral compass conceptual illustration with politicians making bad decisions, original art (© Neculae Tudor | dreamstime.com)

Each week we let Saint Pope John Paul II share meaningful signposts to spark socio-economic resolves through justice and righteousness combined with mercy and compassion; in short, love

               17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
               18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
               __ James 3:17-18 (New International Version)

Turning Away from God and Moral Decline

Huelva, España – lunes 14 de junio de 1993 | When individuals turn away from God, the moral values that support society begin to deteriorate. This shift leads to the erosion of ethical principles, which are inherently grounded in faith.

Consequences for Economic Structures

This decline in moral standards has a profound impact on economic systems. Without a foundation of human dignity and moral law, the pursuit of luxury takes precedence, shaping programs and decisions while neglecting the essential values of humanity and the ethical principles that protect them.

Excerpted from:

VIAJE APOSTÓLICO A ESPAÑA

CELEBRACIÓN EUCARÍSTICA EN EL SANTUARIO DE NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA CINTA HOMILÍA DEL SANTO PADRE JUAN PABLO II, Huelva, lunes 14 de junio de 1993

https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/es/homilies/1993/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19930614_cinta-huelva.html

GILBERT DOCTOROW: RUSSIA CALLS U.S. PEACE PLAN ACCEPTABLE, TRUMP-PUTIN MEETING IS CONFIRMED

Analysis of Recent Diplomatic Developments – Special U.S. emissary Steven Witkoff's visit to Moscow and the decision to organize a meeting between Putin and Trump.

Watch the Video Here (36 minutes, 30 seconds)

Host Prof. Glenn Diesen
Substack.com
9 August 2025

Introduction of Guest and Context

The session features Belgium-based Gilbert Doctorow, a historian and international affairs analyst, and the author of 'The War Diaries' (https://www.amazon.com/War-Diaries-Russia-Ukraine-2022-2023/dp/B0F9VK1WM2) about the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Norway-based Prof. Glenn Diesen begins the discussion with perspectives on the war's future, noting cautious optimism following a recent meeting in Moscow with Witkov.

Developments on the Diplomatic Front

Deception has been a recurring theme in NATO-Russia relations over the past three decades. A military and diplomatic deadline, initially set at 50 days and subsequently reduced to 10, has expired. Instead of escalation, recent events have fostered dialogue, possibly including a meeting between Putin and Trump, prompting questions about genuine change or superficiality.

Perspectives on Apologies and Objectivity

The discussion shifts to public perceptions, with some claiming Doctorow is primarily an apologist for Putin and Trump. Doctorow clarifies that he strives to stay objective and is willing to critique any side when needed.

Key Concerns and Meeting Preparation

A potential issue is the possible invitation of Zelensky, which contradicts earlier optimism from the Witkov-Putin talks. Discussions should encompass broader strategic issues beyond Ukraine, such as future Russia-US cooperation.

Russia’s Strategic Priorities

Recent expert commentary highlights Russia's interest in Arctic cooperation, lifting sanctions, and reengaging with the Western economy. However, Doctorow argues the war has shifted Russian attitudes, reducing interest in returning to European ties and fostering new patriotism and self-reliance among Russians, including intellectuals.

Shifts in Russian Self-Perception

Historically, Russians have often felt inferior, particularly in industrial production. However, over the last three years, reindustrialization and import substitution have challenged these perceptions, with Russia now producing goods such as cheese and industrial products that were previously imported.

Negotiation Dynamics and American Involvement

Doctorow suggests phased talks to satisfy everyone and portray Trump as in control domestically. The meeting probably aims to slowly implement the "Russian solution" to prevent Western capitulation.

Russian Demands and Peace Prospects

Russian demands—regime change in Ukraine, demilitarization, and codification of military gains—are consistent and not maximalist. The challenge is diplomatically implementing these, with the U.S. and Russia leading and Europeans and Ukrainians involved later.

The Role of European Security

Doctorow and other experts argue that real negotiations should focus on European security. The U.S. and Russia require a new framework before resolving the Ukrainian issue. The EU leadership and Zelensky are expected to join the talks later.

Potential Topics for Breakthrough

Doctorow suggests that arms control could set a positive tone for negotiations. Updating missile agreements might build goodwill and help progress on issues such as ending Ukraine's war and revising European security.

Implications for NATO

The future of NATO hinges on effective arms control and robust security measures. If the Ukraine conflict is resolved alone, NATO might weaken. But if it’s part of a broader deal involving new technologies like drones and AI warfare, traditional disputes could ease, reducing the urgency of NATO’s decline.

Conclusion and Reflections

The conversation strikes a balance between optimism and realism, acknowledging the complexity of high-level diplomacy. It expresses concern over Western polarization and the media's neglect of Russian security issues. The dialogue concludes with a call for patience and appreciation for the progress that occurs behind the scenes.

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Editor’s Note | How Can We Be Building Bridges Amid Global Turning Points and Shifting Alliances?

Imminent Resolution of Conflicts

The world is facing significant change, with conflicts in Europe and the Middle East likely to be resolved through diplomacy or military slaughter on the battlefield. President Trump skillfully handles these challenges, possibly for domestic reassurance and international appeasement.

Transformation in Global Alliances

A significant shift is occurring in global relations, echoing the saying, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” This is especially clear in the Middle East, where former foes—Arabs and Iranians—are beginning to engage in constructive dialogue. Similarly, Iran and Russia, previously bitter rivals, are now working together to find solutions to the Israeli conflict. The rapidly expanding BRICS Alliance is predicated on destroying one’s enemy by becoming friends.

Declining Western Influence

Western countries are slowly losing their capacity to exert global influence. President Trump believes that rebuilding American strength involves distancing the U.S. from European governance.

Nuclear Deterrence and Global Stability

The US-EU/NATO alliance has directly challenged Russia’s nuclear capabilities. Recent disclosures also reveal that Iran now possesses a nuclear arsenal, albeit hidden from view. As the threat of nuclear conflict looms, there is a universal desire to prevent disaster from striking close to home.

Classic Sayings in International Relations

Building bridges in international relations is often guided by time-tested sayings that reflect the complexities of diplomacy, strategy, and human nature. The following maxims have significantly influenced the views of leaders and diplomats throughout history.

Classic Sayings and Their Implications

• The enemy of my enemy is my friend. This proverb emphasizes the strategic alliances that can develop between parties who share a common adversary, even if those parties are not natural allies themselves.
• Destroy your enemy by becoming friends. This saying reflects the idea that reconciliation and friendship can disarm hostility more effectively than conflict, turning foes into allies.
• What comes around goes around. A reminder that actions carry consequences, especially in the cyclical and interconnected world of international affairs.
• You reap what you sow. This maxim highlights that outcomes for states or individuals result from their prior actions or policies.
• If you dig a hole for someone, you'll fall into it yourself. This saying warns against planning harm for others, as those plans can ultimately harm the person making them.