![VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JANUARY 06: Pope Francis celebrates Epiphany Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at The Vatican on January 06, 2019 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pope issued an appeal for effective solidarity by European governments with 49 migrants stranded on two ships off the Island of Malta. (Photo by Alessandra Benedetti - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RVOBSEZ4LKMAER54KK33A7SJKY.jpg?smart=true&auth=80f51da5998e2f4c33754af8d4f6aedf7d9bef8e11d9b8b0baee3f46e5f7f247&width=400&height=225)
Pope Francis is a seasoned diplomat. Alessandra Benedetti / Corbis via Getty
Pope Francis is a seasoned diplomat. Alessandra Benedetti / Corbis via Getty
Religion and politics supposedly never mix – but Pope Francis is a more astute operator than his predecessors
The pontiff has realised the fruits of peace take time to blossom and will take baby steps rather than grand gestures
Paul Vallely
31 January, 2019