ON HOLY SEE PEACE AGREEMENTS AND PEACE NEGOTIATIONS DURING SEDE VACANTE ...

The Holy See, the governing body of the Roman Catholic Church, is considered a neutral entity in international relations. This neutrality is a key part of its diplomatic strategy, allowing it to engage with various actors and promote peace. With that being said, The Holy See's approach is often described as "positive neutrality," meaning it actively works to promote the common good and assist in conflict resolution, rather than simply remaining silent.

The Holy See cannot make significant peace agreements during a sede vacante (vacant papal seat) period. The Holy See, as the central government of the Catholic Church, continues to function even during this period, but it is limited in its ability to make major decisions including binding agreements until a new pope is elected. The Holy See space can be used if others would like to create a peace agreement in the space - given limitations during Sede Vacante.

When it comes to ethical issues, the Holy See's neutrality is not the same as ethical neutrality. It can & does take stances on issues that it believes are morally wrong or unjust. As a promoter of peace, it can have conversations about peace. During Pope Vacante, as long as the conversations commitment & Holy See's neutrality is based on a commitment to not having political, commercial, or military goals that would interfere with its role as a mediator and promoter of peace, that is, the bishops and cardinals can have conversations etc with others that do not have political, commercial, or military goals that would interfere with its role as a mediator and promoter of peace.

The Pope, as head of the Holy See, actively seeks to promote peace and reconciliation in conflict zones, often using his influence to encourage dialogue and diplomacy.... ops and cardinals can & have aided in peace negotiations, even during a sede vacante (when the papacy is vacant). While the Pope holds a unique position in the Church, bishops & cardinals, especially those with diplomatic experience or known for their peacemaking efforts, can play a crucial role in mediating conflicts and fostering dialogue ... even during sede vacante.

While it's true that cardinals play a crucial role in governing the Church during a papal vacancy, it's not possible to say that they can actively aid in peace negotiations to gain influence or sway their own election as Pope. The College of Cardinals has a specific, limited role during a sede vacante (papal vacancy), primarily focused on maintaining order and ensuring the Church's continued operation until a new Pope is elected. While cardinals may be involved in discussions and negotiations, these are aimed at finding the best candidate for the Papacy, not to leverage any political or diplomatic influence for personal gain during the election. it is not within their "purview" to use peace negotiations as a means, and it should not be used to advance their own chances of being elected Pope. Their primary focus remains and is to remain on the governance of the Church and the election of a new leader.

Of note - in times of war, cardinals & bishops can & often do act collectively to aid in peace negotiations. The Catholic Church, through its leadership, including the Pope, has a long history of intervening in conflicts to seek peace & promote reconciliation