The doctrine of mercy: moral authority, soft power, and the foreign policy of Pope Francis

This article argues that Pope Francis’ approach to foreign policy is guided by a Doctrine of Mercy, informing his policies on economic development, environmental degradation, and approach to socially exclusive groups. The Doctrine of Mercy is grounded in the Catholic interpretation of Mercy as being driven by compassion, forgiveness, and love and transforming that sentiment into actions to improve political challenges on earth. We further argue that the Doctrine of Mercy sets the conceptual parameters to the Pope’s soft power which is derived from the papacy’s religious authority. Examining the Pope’s writings and speeches, we find evidence to support our claim in regard to three important foreign policy issues: the environment, economic under development and inequality, and marginalized groups.