Abstract / DOI
Benedict XV and the Pursuit of Peace. The election of Benedict XV at the beginning of World War I was a plea for the chance of diplomatic action. Although his attempts to limitate the conflict and to mediate a just peace failed (1917), the prestige of the Holy See was heavily strengthened by his action. Humanitarian initiatives as his commitment to the armenian people and his unshaken attitude of neutrality towards the warring nations were much respected at the end of the war.