The Evangelical Pope | Rooted in Faith, Hope, and Charity

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.

               ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

               __ Matthew 5:16 (New International Version)

Message of His Holiness John Paul II to Catholics in China

Manila, the Philippines – 14 January 1995 | From Manila, where I am attending the Tenth World Youth Day celebration, I send a warm and heartfelt greeting to all Chinese Catholics. You embody the presence of the Church of Christ on Chinese soil, a community rooted in faith, hope, and charity.

Recognition of Difficulties and Encouragement

Dear brothers and sisters in the Church of China, I understand the challenges you face as you witness to your faith in Christ. The Second Vatican Council describes the Church's journey in a way that closely mirrors your experience.

Mission and Vocation

Divine Providence has entrusted you with the responsibility of living out your faith amid a rich cultural heritage. You are called to be "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world," so that others may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Mathew 5:16).

The Power of Love and Witness

Your witness becomes more compelling when it is demonstrated through acts and words of love. Jesus stated: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). This love should be shown primarily among yourselves and extend to all your Chinese brothers and sisters. Such love entails understanding, respect, patience, forgiveness, and reconciliation within the Christian community. Additionally, it involves service, self-sacrifice, faithfulness, hard work, honesty, and justice in society at large.

Unity in Truth and Charity

Genuine love, in essence, cannot exist without truth. Saint Paul reminds the Ephesians to "live by the truth and in love" (Ephesians 4:15). The deep unity present in all Catholic communities worldwide must be founded on the truth revealed in the Gospel and on the charity that flows from Christ's heart. The same applies to you. I pray daily, asking the Lord to help you stay united as active members of the Body of Christ.

Testimonies and Invitation to Communion

Unity does not arise from human policies or secret intentions. I have received numerous testimonies of faith and messages of loyalty from communities across China. Bishops, priests, religious members, and laypeople have expressed their desire to reaffirm their solid and complete communion with the Church. As the Pastor of the Universal Church, I am deeply joyful about this. I sincerely call on everyone to pursue ways of unity and reconciliation, guided by the light and inspiration of the Truth.

Excerpted from:

Apostolic Journey to the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and Sri Lanka, 10th WORLD YOUTH DAY, MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II TO CATHOLICS IN CHINA, Manila, Saturday, 14 January 1995

https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/speeches/1995/january/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19950114_cattolici-cina.html

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Editor’s note: Multipolarity Harmonizes Nationalism with Pragmatic Politics.

Global Communication Report | USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

Diplomacy is catalytic; it’s about walking a fine line.

Realpolitik, or pragmatic politics, is a foreign policy where nations prioritize interests over ideology or morality. In a world of powerful nations, countries form shifting alliances, balance threats, and manage complex relationships to protect their interests. With multiple power centers, pragmatic strategies are essential for survival and influence.

Nationalism is all about taking pride in your country's unique identity and the right to decide your own future. Sovereignty, on the other hand, means having complete control and independence as a nation. Together, these ideas help define who a country is and how it governs itself.

In this kind of world, nationalism and sovereignty coexist. Strong states allow diverse identities and policies, with nationalism inspiring rising powers to assert their interests and challenge dominant nations.

Extreme nationalism can undermine stability by promoting expansion and rejecting established norms, leading to conflicts and making cooperation more difficult. Although it might support a world with multiple powerful countries, too much nationalism can actually threaten overall stability.

Realpolitik and multipolarity are deeply connected, fostering an engaging and intricate environment where both teamwork and competition thrive. These interactions shape how nations connect and influence the future of global relations as the world continues to change. The ongoing balance between nationalism and practical diplomacy greatly impacts how countries plan their moves. While nations strive to safeguard their sovereignty and promote their interests, they also encounter opportunities to work together, along with the potential for disagreement. Finding a fair, interest-based approach is essential to successfully navigating today’s complex, constantly shifting international landscape.

It's a narrow and often arduous path—a fine line.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PERSPECTIVES ON THE MULTIPOLAR WORLD ORDER

Examining the Views of Saint Pope John Paul II, President Donald J. Trump, President Vladimir Putin, President Xi Jinping, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi

About five million people welcomed Saint Pope John Paul II in Manila in 1995.

By Abraham A. van Kempen
17 November 2025

The idea of a multipolar world order refers to a global system in which power is shared among many nations or groups, rather than held by a single superpower, i.e., the Collective West. This shift has become an important topic in international discussions, especially as we see changes across the economic, political, and military spheres. In this discussion, we examine the views of five well-known leaders—Saint Pope John Paul II, President Donald J. Trump, President Vladimir Putin, President Xi Jinping, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi—on moving towards a multipolar world. We explore where their views agree or differ, how much they see eye to eye, and share valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and students.

Saint Pope John Paul II: Vision for Global Cooperation and Peace

Saint Pope John Paul II saw global issues as matters of moral responsibility, human dignity, and peace for all. He highlighted the importance of working together across countries, engaging in meaningful intercultural dialogue, and respecting each nation's sovereignty within a spirit of solidarity. He envisioned a world order that goes beyond narrow national interests, focusing on the common good and peaceful coexistence. While he didn't specifically mention "multipolarity," his support for pluralism and interdependence aligns with the core ideas of a multipolar system. His outlook was rooted in ethical universalism, encouraging a world in which diverse cultures and nations can thrive side by side without any one power overshadowing the others.

President Donald J. Trump: America First and Skepticism of Multilateralism

President Donald J. Trump’s foreign policy was driven mainly by the 'America First' principle, focusing on prioritizing the interests of the United States and often expressing skepticism toward multilateral institutions. His administration approached global governance with caution, preferring bilateral agreements and transactional diplomacy to broader international efforts. While this approach led to a more restrained role for the U.S. on the global stage, it wasn't aimed at creating a multipolar world but rather at pushing back against perceived constraints on U.S. sovereignty. As a result, America's influence in shaping the international order declined, opening the door for other nations to rise and creating a more multipolar world.

President Vladimir Putin: Advocacy for Multipolarity and Russian Interests

President Vladimir Putin champions a multipolar world, highlighting Russia's vital role in building a balanced global community. He believes that a system mainly led by the EU-US/NATO Axis not only risks peace and stability but also overlooks the needs of many nations. Putin values sovereign equality, celebrates cultural diversity, and honors national identities. His foreign policy focuses on building strong alliances, including with Western countries, to help Russia grow its trade and ensure a fairer distribution of global influence. For President Putin, supporting a multipolar world is key to safeguarding Russia’s interests and bringing more balance to international relations.

President Xi Jinping: Support for Multipolarity within Global Governance

President Xi Jinping sees a multipolar world as a strong support for China’s growth and its ambitions to become a global leader. He advocates a "community of shared future for humankind" and proposes reforms to international organizations to represent the interests of emerging powers better. China’s active role in organizations such as the United Nations and in projects such as the Belt and Road shows its dedication to building a multipolar international system. Xi believes in maintaining multiple centers of power alongside a rules-based global order, aiming to expand China’s influence while preserving stability and progress. Unlike Trump, who was more doubtful, Xi views multipolarity as perfectly compatible with cooperation and shared benefits.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Strategic Autonomy and Multipolar Engagement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy is all about maintaining strategic independence, helping India stand tall on the world stage. Modi champions a multipolar global order, aiming to boost India’s international presence and avoid unnecessary conflicts between great powers. Over the years, India has built strong partnerships with both Western and non-Western countries and has been pushing for reforms within organizations such as the United Nations. His approach is rooted in values of diversity and mutual respect, focusing on India as a "leading power" rather than just a "balancing power." For Modi, embracing a multipolar world is a way for India to pursue its interests, protect its sovereignty, and contribute positively to global affairs.

Comparative Analysis: Points of Convergence and Divergence

Areas of Convergence

• Recognition of Shifting Global Dynamics: All five leaders recognize, whether explicitly or implicitly, that the international system is changing, and that the era of unipolarity is gradually coming to an end.
• Support for National Sovereignty: Each viewpoint, though emphasizing different aspects, upholds the significance of national sovereignty and the right of states to pursue their interests.
• Pluralism and Diversity: John Paul II, Putin, Xi, and Modi endorse pluralism—whether cultural, political, or economic—as the foundation for peaceful coexistence.
• Desire for Equilibrium: Putin, Xi, and Modi seek fairer power sharing, indicating a passion for a more balanced world. Meanwhile, Trump’s retreat from involvement subtly supports this shift toward global balance.

Areas of Divergence

Attitudes Toward Multilateralism: John Paul II and Xi advocate working with others, showing their strong commitment to global teamwork. Meanwhile, Trump tends to be more cautious about this approach. Putin and Modi take a practical stance, backing multilateral efforts that serve their countries' interests. These varying perspectives highlight the different ways leaders view the advantages of working together globally.

• Motivation for Multipolarity: Putin and Modi see multipolarity as a vital way to protect their sovereignty and boost their countries’ influence. Xi views it as a promising route to reform global governance. John Paul II’s support stems from a belief in moral universalism, while Trump’s policies seem driven by a desire to avoid foreign entanglements.
• Role of Global Governance: Xi and John Paul II emphasize the need for stronger international institutions to promote cooperation, whereas Trump questions their effectiveness. Putin and Modi advocate reforms while also stressing national autonomy, illustrating a balance between collaboration and independence.
• Conceptualization of Power: John Paul II’s conception of power is rooted in ethical and spiritual principles, rather than the strategic and material viewpoints held by the four state leaders.

Assessment: Is There More Convergence or Divergence?

While these leaders share some common ground, like acknowledging changing global trends and supporting sovereignty, they also exhibit significant differences. Their motivations, views on multilateralism, and visions for the future vary greatly. All agree on the need for a more balanced international system, yet they pursue this goal through different lenses. For instance, John Paul II’s universalist stance stands in contrast to others driven by strategic interests. Trump’s focus on unilateral actions differs from the more cooperative, pluralistic approach of his counterparts. Although Putin, Xi, and Modi all push for a multipolar world, their reasons and approaches differ. In summary, the analysis shows a dynamic interplay of similarities and differences, influenced by each leader’s background, culture, and geopolitical environment.

Conclusion

The push for a multipolar world is clear in the diverse views of figures like Saint Pope John Paul II, President Donald J. Trump, President Vladimir Putin, President Xi Jinping, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

While they all agree on the need for reform in the global system, their priorities—whether rooted in morality, strategy, or practicality—vary. They share an understanding of pluralism and sovereignty, but their main differences are in how they view multilateralism and global governance.

Understanding these differences is critical for scholars, policy analysts, and students seeking a clearer picture of how the international landscape is changing and what it might mean for future generations.