Today I had the honor to welcome Francisco Sucre, President of the Permanent Commission of Foreign Policy, Sovereignty, and Integration of the National Assembly of Venezuela, to the United States Embassy to the Holy See. I reaffirmed America’s ironclad support for interim President Juan Guaidó, the democratically elected National Assembly, and the people of Venezuela ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 14 February, 2019 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
By Ambassador Callista L. Gingrich It’s incredible what can happen in just 40 hours. Pope Francis arrived in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates on the evening of Sunday, February 3, as the first pontiff to visit the Arabian Peninsula. He departed on Tuesday, February 5, shortly after celebrating a historic Catholic Mass ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 11 February, 2019 | Topics:
Ambassador, Near East & North Africa, News
| Tags: Christianity, Islam, Muslim, Pope, Pope Francis, Religious Freedom, UAE
This year marks the 35th Anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the United States and the Holy See! Watch as Ambassador Gingrich speaks about the importance of this enduring relationship. #USHolySee35
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 28 January, 2019 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy, U.S. & Holy See
Ambassador Callista Gingrich was honored to attend Pope Francis’s annual New Year address to diplomats on January 7, 2019. Pope Francis stressed the importance of multilateral diplomacy, urged all countries to strengthen international institutions, and highlighted the Holy See’s policy priorities around the world. Read the Pope’s speech in full below. _______________________ ADDRESS OF HIS ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 15 January, 2019 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
| Tags: Address to Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Callista Gingrich
In 1947 the United States Marine Corps started the time-honored “Toys for Tots” program, collecting and delivering toys to less fortunate children over the holiday season. In keeping with this tradition, Ambassador Callista Gingrich joined members of the Tri-Mission Italy U.S. Marine Detachment and the United Service Organizations (USO) to deliver toys to children at the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 14 January, 2019 | Topics:
Ambassador, News, U.S. & Holy See
| Tags: Bambin Gesu, Callista Gingrich, Toys for Tots, United States Marine Corps
By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 21 December, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Video
One year ago, on December 22nd, Ambassador Gingrich presented her credentials to Pope Francis to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. In her message for the occasion she says, “The United States and the Holy See share one of the most consequential diplomatic relationships in the world today.”
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 21 December, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News, Video
| Tags: Ambassador Gingrich, U.S. and Holy See
On Tuesday, December 11, 2018, the President signed into law: H.R. 390, the “Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act of 2018,” which authorizes assistance to entities engaged in aiding individuals and communities in Iraq or Syria who are being, or are likely to be, targeted for genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 12 December, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News, President of the United States
| Tags: Human rights, Iraq, persecution, religious minorities, Syria
Newt and I join a grateful nation in mourning the loss of a true American patriot and statesman, President George H.W. Bush. President Bush led a lifetime of unwavering service and devotion to faith, family, and country. He inspired generations of Americans to view public service as a noble calling, and the United States as ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 1 December, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News, U.S. & Holy See
| Tags: Ambassador Gingrich, President George H. W. Bush
Ambassador Gingrich’s Remarks at the Tri-Mission Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Rome, Italy November 30, 2018 Good afternoon. Welcome to our Christmas tree lighting ceremony! It’s a pleasure to be here with Ambassador Eisenberg, Chargé Duffy, and our Tri-Mission Community. I’d like to thank our CLO for organizing today’s ceremony, and our GSO for decorating this beautiful tree! As ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 30 November, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy, News
| Tags: Christmas
Italian news outlet Servizio Informazione Religiosa (SIR) highlighted Ambassador Gingrich’s remarks at the “Women, Faith and Culture” seminar in Rome November 14, hosted by the International Foundation for Interreligious and Intercultural Education. Ambassador Gingrich discussed the United States’ commitment to religious freedom, and how it influences U.S. foreign policy and strengthens women’s rights. Reflecting on ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 16 November, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
| Tags: international religious freedom, Religious Freedom, women's rights
Remarks by Ambassador Gingrich at Tri-Mission’s 2018 Women’s Leadership Conference Rome, Italy November 14, 2018 Good afternoon. I’d like to thank Kelly Degnan, Jillian Itharat, and Cassandra Hamblin for organizing this conference and for the opportunity to be with you. I would also like to thank Ambassador Eisenberg for his thoughtful remarks and participation today. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 14 November, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
| Tags: Ambassador Gingrich, leadership, women's rights
Remarks by Ambassador Gingrich at the “Women, Faith, and Culture” Seminar Rome, Italy November 14, 2018 Good morning. I’d like to thank the International Foundation for Interreligious and Intercultural Education for the opportunity to be with you. I’d also like to thank Foreign Minister Milanesi for his thoughtful remarks, and the Italian Ministry of ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 14 November, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, News, Speeches
| Tags: culture, faith, international religious freedom, Religious Freedom, women
Remarks by Ambassador Gingrich at the Working Meeting “Practical Solutions to Eradicate Human Trafficking” United Nations Headquarters New York, NY November 9, 2018 (as prepared for delivery) Good morning. I’d like to thank Ambassador Michel Veuthey and the Sovereign Order of Malta for the opportunity to be with you today. I would also like to thank ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 9 November, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, Human Rights, News, Speeches, U.S. & Holy See
| Tags: Ambassador Gingrich, Blessing Okoedion, Human rights, Santa Marta Group, Talitha Kum
Rome, Italy November 7, 2018 Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, and friends – welcome to Villa Richardson! I’d like to thank our Vatican partners for being here this evening, and for organizing tomorrow’s important conference on clean water. I’d also like to acknowledge our diplomatic colleagues from France, Italy, Monaco, and Peru for helping make this ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 7 November, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy, Environment, Events, News
| Tags: Ambassador Gingrich, energy insecurity, Vatican water conference, water issues
Remarks by Ambassador Gingrich at the 243rd Marine Corps Birthday Ball November 3, 2018 Rome, Italy Thank you, Gunnery Sergeant Hancock. Ambassador Eisenberg, Chargé Duffy, distinguished guests, and Marines – good evening! Thank you for the opportunity to be with you as we celebrate the 243rd birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Few American ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 4 November, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy, Events, Featured Event, News, Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador Gingrich, Marine Corps Birthday Ball, Marines, military, U. S. Marine Corps
Today is International #ReligiousFreedom Day! Watch this message by Ambassador @CallyGingrich on the continued U.S. commitment to safeguard the universal right of religious freedom.
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 26 October, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
| Tags: international religious freedom, Religious Freedom
Human trafficking, also known as modern slavery, is a global crime that deprives millions around the world of their human dignity and freedom. Its victims are often lured with false promises by people they trust – including family members – and are forced into prostitution, debt bondage, domestic servitude, and
other forms of modern slavery. Human trafficking also compromises national ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 18 October, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Human Rights, News, Public Affairs, Speeches, Video
| Tags: Ambassador Gingrich, faith-based organizations, Holy See, human trafficking, women's rights
Remarks by Callista L. Gingrich, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See International Meeting “Bridges of Peace” Organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio Bologna, Italy October 16, 2018 Good morning. I’d like to thank Andrea Riccardi, Marco Impagliazzo, and the Community of Sant’Egidio for the opportunity to be with you today. For fifty years, Sant’Egidio has ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 16 October, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Callista L. Gingrich at a Reception Honoring the U.S. Delegation to the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops Rome, Italy October 11, 2018 Your Eminences, your Excellencies, distinguished guests, and friends – welcome to Villa Richardson! Tonight we’re gathered to honor the U.S. delegation ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 11 October, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Speeches
| Tags: Callista L. Gingrich
Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Callista L. Gingrich at a Reception Honoring Legatus Rome, Italy October 10, 2018 Good evening and welcome to Villa Richardson. I hope you’re enjoying your time in Rome. Newt and I have had the honor of being with Legatus on several occasions – and we’re so ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 10 October, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 18 September, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
Rome, Italy September 11, 2018 Good afternoon. Ambassador Eisenberg, Chargé Duffy, colleagues, and friends, it’s an honor to join you on this solemn occasion. Today we come together to honor the memory of nearly 3,000 innocent people murdered by terrorists seventeen years ago. Seventeen years may seem like a long time, but for countless American ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 11 September, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
Remarks by Ambassador Gingrich at the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) Freedom Summit Frascati, Italy August 24, 2018 Good afternoon. It’s an honor to be here. I’d like to thank His Eminence Cardinal Schönborn and Dr. Christiaan Alting von Geusau for the opportunity to be with you today. In 2010, Newt and I attended ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 24 August, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
Statement by Callista L. Gingrich U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See July 30, 2018 Today marks the 5th anniversary of the United Nations’ World Day against Trafficking in Persons, established to raise awareness of this global crime, and to promote and protect those who suffer because of it. Human trafficking is one of the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 30 July, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Human Rights
(As prepared for delivery) Good afternoon. I’d like to thank Secretary Pompeo and Ambassador Brownback for inviting me to speak on this important topic ahead of our panel. This discussion, examining the intersections between religious freedom and women’s rights, could not come at a more pressing time.
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 25 July, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News, Press Releases, Speeches
| Tags: international religious freedom, ministerial to advance religious freedom, Religious Freedom
July 24, 2018 Washington D.C. As Prepared for Delivery: Thank you. It’s an honor to be with you. I’d like to thank Ambassador Rooney and Dr. Farr for inviting me to speak with you this afternoon. I’d also like to commend the Religious Freedom Institute, and the Center for Religious Liberty of Catholic University, for ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 24 July, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Press Releases, Speeches
By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 24 July, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Video
Villa Richardson Rome, Italy July 3, 2018 Good evening. Let’s have a round of applause for our United States Marines and the Navy Maritime Winds Woodwind Quintet. I’d like to thank our many generous sponsors, whose support makes this evening possible. I’d also like to thank my team at the U.S. Embassy to the Holy ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 3 July, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Press Releases
Good morning. Your Eminence, Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, and friends – thank you for being here today. I’d like to acknowledge Aid to the Church in Need and the Community of Sant’Egidio for helping make this symposium possible. I am very proud of our embassy’s longstanding relationship with both of these incredible organizations. I’d also ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 25 June, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News, U.S. & Holy See
| Tags: international religious freedom
The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See hosted a symposium on Monday, June 25 on “Defending International Religious Freedom: Partnership and Action” at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Callista L. Gingrich, delivered the opening remarks and closing remarks were given by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 25 June, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News, U.S. & Holy See
| Tags: international religious freedom
Good morning. I would like to thank His Excellency Archbishop Bruguès and Monsignor Pasini for hosting us today. I would also like to acknowledge Homeland Security Investigation’s Rome Attaché, Armando Astorga, Investigator, Mario Coppola, HSI Special Agent, Brian Jones, and Special Agent, Mark Olexa, for their impressive work on this investigation. Special thanks to our ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 14 June, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News, U.S. & Holy See
| Tags: Columbus Letter, Vatican Library
Good morning. Welcome to the United States Embassy to the Holy See – we’re delighted to have you here. I’d like to thank His Beatitude Major Archbishop Shevchuk for traveling to Rome to share his thoughts with us on religious freedom in Ukraine. I would also like to thank Their Excellencies Archbishop Tomasi and Archbishop ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 13 June, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
| Tags: international religious freedom
"Thank you. It is a pleasure to be with you as we open this important photo exhibition. Georgia and the United States have shared a special bond of friendship for more than a quarter century, based on common values and shared interests. The United States, under the leadership of President Trump, steadfastly supports Georgia’s sovereignty ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 4 June, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador
Crux: It’s been 20 years since the United States adopted the International Religious Freedom Act in 1998, yet when we look around, the global situation on religious freedom often seems worse than two decades ago. Has the act made a difference? Does it have untapped potential? Gingrich: The act has definitely made a difference. It ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 30 May, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
By Callista L. Gingrich Persecution, violence, and discrimination are daily realities for millions of believers in nearly every region of the world. Their human rights are limited or restricted entirely. Religious understanding and tolerance are bulwarks against the forces of extremism — they are the necessary foundations of peace and security around the world. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 30 May, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Callista L. Gingrich at a Military Naturalization Ceremony May 25, 2018 Rome, Italy As Delivered: Thank you. Good afternoon. I am so honored to be with you and to welcome you as fellow Americans. You entered this room as citizens of the Philippines, Ghana, Mexico, Jamaica, Italy, ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 25 May, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
May 8, 2018 Rome, Italy As Delivered: Good morning. I’d like to thank the Pax Romana Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for the opportunity to be with you today. I know that one of my predecessors, Ambassador Shakespeare, attended a similar ceremony in 1988 – the last time this grave site was ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 8 May, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
April 24, 2018 Rome, Italy Good evening and welcome to Villa Richardson. I’d like to thank the Cura Foundation and the Stem for Life Foundation, under the leadership of Dr. Robin Smith, for making this reception possible. I’d also like to acknowledge and welcome Dr. Francis Collins, the Director of the National Institutes of Health. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 24 April, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
As Delivered: Thank you. Members of the clergy, sisters, members of the diplomatic community, and friends: Good morning. I am pleased to welcome you as we recognize the extraordinary contributions of Women religious on the frontlines. I am especially grateful to Sister Patricia Murray and her dedicated staff at the UISG for co-hosting this symposium. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 11 April, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
As Delivered: Thank you, Ambassador Galt. Good afternoon. I am privileged to be with you today as we honor these ten remarkable women. Through strength and determination, each honoree has demonstrated extraordinary courage to advocate for peace, justice, and human dignity. As the United States Ambassador to the Holy See, I am especially honored to ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 23 March, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
As Delivered: Good morning. I am honored to be with you today. I would like to recognize two members of our Embassy Vatican team – Legal Attaché, Kieran Ramsey, and Assistant Legal Attaché, Liz Rosato. Thank you for all of your hard work and support. The FBI’s motto is “Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity.” I cannot imagine ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 13 March, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
For over four years,
Karla Jacinto estimates that she was raped over 40,000 times. Abandoned at 12, she fell prey to a pimp in Tenancingo, Mexico, who through brutality and coercion forced her into prostitution. At 15, Karla’s newborn daughter, conceived through rape, was taken from her as she continued to be threatened by her enslavers. Karla ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 9 March, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
February 21, 2018 “Reverend Billy Graham was a remarkable man, a renowned evangelist, and an extraordinary leader. Throughout his life Reverend Graham was committed to bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people of all ethnicities, creeds, and backgrounds. Graham’s worldwide crusades were attended by millions and broadcast on radio and television to hundreds of ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 21 February, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson poses for a photo with thirteen U.S. Ambassadors and Chargé d’Affaires during a regional Chiefs of Mission meeting (L to R) Kent Logsdon, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., U.S. Embassy in Germany, Lewis M. Eisenberg, U.S. Ambassador to the Italian Republic, and the Republic of San Marino, Matthew Lussenhop, Chargé d’Affaires ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 1 February, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Chargé D’Affaires, News
On December 22, 2017, Callista L. Gingrich presented her credentials to Pope Francis and officially assumed the duties of United States Ambassador to the Holy See. Ambassador Gingrich is the 11th U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See since formal relations were established in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan. In the presence of family and embassy ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 28 December, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, News, U.S. & Holy See
From the moment President Trump nominated her, to becoming officially the Chief of our Mission, Ambassador-Designate Callista Gingrich will follow a clearly defined procedure:
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 6 November, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, U.S. & Holy See
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, October 16, 2017, the United States Senate confirmed Callista L. Gingrich of McLean, Virginia as the new United States Ambassador-Designate to the Holy See. Ambassador-Designate Gingrich is the former President and CEO of Gingrich Productions, a multimedia production and consulting company in Arlington, Virginia. She is the author of the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 17 October, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, News, U.S. & Holy See
“I add my prayers to those of Pope Francis and Presidents Abbas and Peres as they meet on Sunday to pray for peace in the Holy Land. Pope Francis is creating a unique and meaningful opportunity for hope and we welcome any efforts toward the path of peace.”
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 6 June, 2014 | Topics:
Ambassador, Former U.S. Ambassadors, Press Releases, U.S. & Holy See
The U.S. Embassy is proud to be here today to support Talitha Kum’s campaign to combat trafficking in persons during this year’s World Cup. Combating this scourge is an important goal of both the United States and the Catholic Church. Pope Francis has spoken out strongly against what he calls “a crime against humanity.” And ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 20 May, 2014 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, Former U.S. Ambassadors, Human Rights
“I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Father van der Lugt’s killing in Homs. He was a man of service and was dedicated to calling for a peaceful solution to the violence in Syria, his adopted homeland. Van der Lugt, like many other Catholic priests and nuns around the world, was on the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 30 April, 2014 | Topics:
Ambassador, Former U.S. Ambassadors, Press Releases
Happy New Year to everyone – I hope you all had a happy and healthy holiday season. My wife and I welcomed our family to Rome over the holidays and we were able to attend the beautiful Christmas Eve midnight mass at St. Peter’s Basilica and the Pope’s Urbi et Orbi Christmas Day address together. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 10 January, 2014 | Topics:
Ambassador, Former U.S. Ambassadors
Today – Human Rights Day – offers an opportunity for reflection on a number of pressing global issues related to human rights. My mind first turns to Nelson Mandela’s passing last Friday. I, like many others around the world, was incredibly saddened when I heard the news that we had lost one of the greatest ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 10 December, 2013 | Topics:
Ambassador, Former U.S. Ambassadors
Yesterday, people all over the globe commemorated World AIDS Day – a day when we remember the millions of lives lost and families affected by HIV/AIDS, and recognize the struggle of the over 35 million people worldwide living with HIV who carry the burden of this disease every day. It is in their honor that ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 2 December, 2013 | Topics:
Ambassador, Former U.S. Ambassadors
Fifty years ago today I learned of the shooting of President John F. Kennedy with the same stunned horror of so many others. For us as high school students in Boston, he was “our” president – Catholic, “Bostonian,” Irish American. His brief tenure as president gave us confidence, motivation, and a real sense of purpose ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 22 November, 2013 | Topics:
Ambassador, Former U.S. Ambassadors
One of the joys of this new assignment for me are the people I get to meet. Since my arrival, I’ve been able to reconnect with those I’ve met over the years in the religious, academic, and humanitarian world. And I’ve been able to begin laying the foundations of friendship with many new people who ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 13 November, 2013 | Topics:
Ambassador, Former U.S. Ambassadors
One of the first events my wife and I hosted at our residence was a conversation and lunch for guests from the Vatican, religious orders, and NGOs who work to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings. Trafficking in human beings is a terrible scourge that enslaves millions of people every year. The U.S. government ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 6 November, 2013 | Topics:
Ambassador, Former U.S. Ambassadors
My name is Ken Hackett and this is my first blog entry as the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. I had the honor of presenting my credentials today to His Holiness Pope Francis inside the apostolic palace, and I am excited and honored to begin this new journey. I have decided to blog about ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 21 October, 2013 | Topics:
Ambassador, Former U.S. Ambassadors
By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 17 October, 2013 | Topics:
Ambassador, Former U.S. Ambassadors, Video
