Topic summary
Holy See–Soviet Union relations
Early life and church career
Papacy
Teachings and writings
Church governance
Political views and activity
Ecumenism and interfaith relations
Assassination attempts and health
Death, canonization, and legacy
Holy See–Soviet Union relations were marked by long-standing ideological disagreements between the Catholic Church and the Soviet Union. The Holy See attempted to enter in a pragmatic dialogue with Soviet leaders during the papacies of John XXIII and Paul VI. In the 1990s, Pope John Paul II's diplomatic policies were cited as one of the principal factors that led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.