In this trial, The Diplomat is an ally for both sides of any argument. Above all, this character seeks to exploit points of agreement to avoid potential conflict and fracturing within the Church. Thus, The Diplomat is only invested in mitigating the margin of victory in the controversy. 

Historical Example

Giovanni Ciampoli is a good example of The Diplomat during Galileo's trial. A priest and a humanist, Ciampoli was both Galileo's dedicated student and close friend. His training and skill brought him to Rome, where he secured employment and connections with the highest circles of Church administration. While there, he continued to communicate with Galileo about the developments within the senior ranks of the curia while simultaneously discussing Galileo's situation with the Catholic elite. 

After the publication of Galileo's treatise, he assured Galileo of the Pope's favorable view while arguing to the Pope that Galileo had religiously adhered to all of the required mandates. Though both were not entirely true, he likely hoped that a formal meeting between the two would resolve the dispute. Unfortunately, it was largely due to his encouragement that Galileo traveled to Rome and found himself the subject of a hearing of the Roman Inquisition.