Despite close cooperation with Kosovo’s institutions and the appointment of an apostolic delegate to the country, the Vatican continues to withhold official recognition of Kosovo as an independent state.
According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the main reasons for this stance are rooted in interfaith sensitivities. The Holy See seeks to maintain good relations with the Orthodox Church—especially the Serbian and Russian branches—which strongly oppose Kosovo’s independence. An official recognition by the Vatican could jeopardize these relationships and hinder the Holy See’s broader efforts in promoting ecumenical (inter-church) dialogue, as reported by albinfo.ch.
Another factor influencing the Vatican’s cautious approach is Kosovo’s international status. The Holy See appears to tie its recognition to the progress of the Kosovo–Serbia dialogue and Kosovo’s integration into global organizations such as the United Nations. Without significant advancement in these areas, recognition remains unlikely.
Analysts and former diplomats interviewed by RFE/RL note that while the Vatican “acknowledges the reality” on the ground in Kosovo, it deliberately refrains from formal recognition due to a combination of strategic and religious considerations. This carefully balanced position reflects the Vatican’s broader commitment to diplomacy and interreligious harmony.
In sum, the Vatican’s non-recognition of Kosovo is less a denial of its de facto existence and more a reflection of its nuanced role in global religious and diplomatic affairs.