The "State of the World," 2010 Edition

Earlier this morning, the Pope received the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See -- now 178 in all, following last month's establishment of full relations with Russia -- for their annual New Year exchange of greetings.

In keeping with tradition, the event -- uniquely held in the Sala Regia of the Apostolic Palace -- was highlighted by the pontiff's annual summary of the Vatican's areas of geopolitical attention and concern, which has become known as the "State of the World."

Originally given in diplomacy's working language of French, here's the address in its official English translation:

PHOTOS: Reuters(1); AP(2)

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