The Power of Heroes in the Fight against Human Trafficking
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 ... Read More»
U.S. Assistance to Ethnic and Religious Minorities in Iraq
Fact Sheet October 16, 2018 As part of the continued commitment by Vice President Pence, Secretary Pompeo, and USAID Administrator Green to support ethnic and religious minorities in Iraq as highlighted earlier this year at the first-ever Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, the United States is proud to announce over $178 million in U.S. foreign ... Read More»
2018 Meeting of the President’s Interagency Task Force on Trafficking in Persons
On October 11, President Donald J. Trump convened the first annual President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (PITF) meeting to discuss the Trump Administration’s efforts to combat human trafficking. There are an estimated 24.9 million victims of this global crime. The PITF is a Cabinet-level entity, consisting of 15 U.S. departments and agencies, which work tirelessly to prosecute traffickers and protect survivors. ... Read More»
Remarks by Callista Gingrich, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See International Meeting Bridges of Peace Organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio
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 ... Read More»
Remarks by Ambassador Gingrich at a Reception Honoring Legatus
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 ... Read More»
Ambassador Gingrich Attends Opening Mass of the Synod of Bishops on Young People
Ambassador Gingrich attended the opening Mass of the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, celebrated by Pope Francis October 3 in St. Peter’s Square. The month-long meeting of Catholic bishops is on the theme of “Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment.” More than 300 participants are gathered in Rome for the Synod, ... Read More»
Ambassador Gingrich Presents Joel Nafuma Refugee Center with Julia Taft Refugee Fund Grant
Ambassador Gingrich on Tuesday, October 2, presented the Joel Nafuma Refugee Cente r in Rome, Italy, with the Julia Taft Refugee Fund grant, to further support the Center’s important work. The U.S. Department of State’s Julia Taft Refugee Fund supports community-based projects that provide sustainable assistance to refugees, internally displaced persons, vulnerable migrants, and stateless persons. Each year, the ... Read More»
Ambassador Gingrich’s Remarks at Conference Honoring St. John Paul II and President Ronald Reagan
Remarks by Ambassador Gingrich (as prepared for delivery) Washington, D.C. September 26, 2018 Good afternoon. It’s an honor to be here. I’d like to thank Clark Judge, Monika Jablonska, the White House Writers Group, the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, the Polish National Foundation, and the Ronald Reagan Foundation and Institute for the opportunity to ... Read More»
Remarks by President Trump to the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly
United Nations Headquarters New York, New York 10:38 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Madam President, Mr. Secretary-General, world leaders, ambassadors, and distinguished delegates: One year ago, I stood before you for the first time in this grand hall. I addressed the threats facing our world, and I presented a vision to achieve a brighter future for ... Read More»
Remarks by Ambassador Gingrich at Reception in Honor of Blessing Okoedion
(As prepared for delivery) September 13, 2018 Good evening and welcome to Villa Richardson! Tonight we’re gathered to honor Blessing Okoedion — an inspirational voice in the fight against human trafficking. Thank you for being here, Blessing. In June, the U.S. State Department honored Blessing as a 2018 Trafficking in Persons Report Hero. Each year ... Read More»
Ambassador Gingrich’s Remarks at 9/11 Memorial Service Hosted by Sant’Egidio
(As prepared for delivery) Rome, Italy September 11, 2018 Good evening. I’d like to thank the Community of Sant’Egidio for holding this evening’s service. It’s been 17 years since September 11th, 2001. But for countless families who lost loved ones, it feels like yesterday. On that fateful morning, nearly 3,000 innocent people were murdered by ... Read More»
Remarks by Ambassador Gingrich at the September 11 Tri-Mission Commemoration Ceremony
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 ... Read More»
Ambassador Callista L. Gingrich’s statement on the passing of Senator John McCain
Senator John McCain embodied the very best of America. As a fearless warrior, an unflinching statesman, and a life-long patriot, his love and devotion to freedom and country were unmatched. Our nation will mourn the loss of this American hero, and forever honor and cherish his life. Newt and I send our deepest condolences and ... Read More»
Remarks by Ambassador Gingrich at the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) Freedom Summit
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 ... Read More»
Ambassador Gingrich’s Remarks at Reception for International Catholic Legislators Network
Remarks by Ambassador Callista L. Gingrich Rome, Italy August 22, 2018 Good evening and welcome to Villa Richardson! Tonight we’re gathered to honor Members of the United States Congress that have traveled here to attend the Ninth Annual Meeting of the International Catholic Legislators Network. I’m delighted that Representatives Fortenberry, Harris, Cuellar, and Joyce are ... Read More»
Readout of Vice President Pence’s Call with Cardinal Pietro Parolin
(as posted on whitehouse.gov) Issued on: August 10, 2018 Vice President Mike Pence spoke today with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, to discuss their mutual concern about the on-going political crisis in Nicaragua. Vice President Pence recognized the Catholic Church’s leadership and the Pope’s calls for mediation and the process of ... Read More»
The U.S. State Department’s Boldline Religious Freedom Initiative
Are you ready to take action on an innovative idea to support international religious freedom? The U.S. Department of State wants to hear from you. Introducing Boldline Religious Freedom, a public-private partnership accelerator that is specifically targeted to organizations working on religious freedom. Developed by the U.S. Department of State, this partnership aims to support ... Read More»
Remarks by Ambassador Gingrich at the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom
(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. Read More»
Statement by Ambassador Callista Gingrich on 2018 Trafficking in Persons Hero Blessing Okoedion
On behalf of the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See, I offer my warmest congratulations to Blessing Okoedion on being honored as a 2018 Trafficking in Persons Hero. Each year the U.S. Department of State produces the Trafficking in Persons Report , assessing the efforts by foreign governments to combat human trafficking. Along with this report, the Department of ... Read More»
Trafficking in Persons Report 2018
Secretary Pompeo, joined by Ivanka Trump, unveiled the 2018 Trafficking in Persons Report and honored ten TIP Report Heroes today at the State Department. The report assesses government efforts around the world to end human trafficking. The Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report is the U.S. Government’s principal diplomatic tool to engage foreign governments on human ... Read More»
Remarks by Ambassador Gingrich at Symposium on Religious Freedom
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 ... Read More»
Ambassador Gingrich Hosts Symposium on 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 ... Read More»
Ambassador Gingrich Returns Letter by Christopher Columbus to the Vatican
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 ... Read More»
Ambassador Gingrich and Archbishop Shevchuk on Religious Freedom In Ukraine
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 ... Read More»
Final remarks by Ambassador Tetiana Izhevska at a Discussion with Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk on Religious Freedom
June 13, 2018 Dear Ambassador Gingrich, Your Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen, First of all, let me express my gratitude to my good friend Ambassador Callista Gingrich for hosting this meeting. That is not for the first time when we meet together in the United States Embassy to the Holy See to discuss vital religious issues. ... Read More»
US Vatican Envoy Calls Religious Freedom a National Security Issue
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 ... Read More»
Ambassador Gingrich: U.S. Embassy Works with Vatican to Promote Religious Liberty for All
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. ... Read More»
Remarks by Ambassador Gingrich at a Military Naturalization Ceremony
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, ... Read More»
The United States and the Holy See: An Enduring Vision for Peace and Freedom
Since taking up my post as United States Ambassador to the Holy See on December 22, 2017, I’ve often been asked to explain the benefits of maintaining an embassy to the Vatican. After all, the territory of the Holy See, the government of the Roman Catholic Church, occupies less than one quarter of a square ... Read More»
Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires Louis L. Bono at the Annual Conference of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Italia
May 12, 2018 Good afternoon. I’d like to thank Imam Tariq for the invitation to be here for your annual meeting. It’s an honor for me to be here to learn more about the Ahamdiyya Community. What began more than a century ago in a remote village in Punjab, India, has grown into a global ... Read More»
Remarks by United States Ambassador to the Holy See Callista L. Gingrich at PAX Romana Grave Site Rededication Ceremony
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 ... Read More»
Remarks by Ambassador Callista Gingrich at a Reception in Honor of the Cura Foundation
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. ... Read More»
Remarks by Ambassador Callista Gingrich at the Women Religious on the Frontlines Symposium
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. ... Read More»
Women Religious: The Unsung Heroes of the Catholic Church
Callista L. Gingrich United States Ambassador to the Holy See Last week I had the distinct honor to join First Lady Melania Trump to pay tribute to ten remarkable women at the 2018 International Women of Courage award ceremony in Washington D.C. This annual award is given to women from around the world who show extraordinary courage and heroism ... Read More»
Remarks by United States Ambassador to the Holy See Callista L. Gingrich at the International Women of Courage Reception
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 ... Read More»
AMBASSADOR GINGRICH’S LETTER TO HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS ON THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS PONTIFICATE
March 13, 2018 Your Holiness, It is a great pleasure and privilege to congratulate you upon the fifth anniversary of your pontificate. Millions of Americans have been inspired by your extraordinary humility and compassion for the most vulnerable and marginalized among us. Your enduring love for the less fortunate is to be admired and emulated. ... Read More»
PRESIDENT TRUMP’S LETTER TO HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS ON THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS ELECTION AS PONTIFF
March 13, 2018 Your Holiness: On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you on the fifth anniversary this March 13 of your election to the Chair of Saint Peter. My family and I treasure the memory of our visit to the Vatican last May. I was honored to discuss with you many of the ... Read More»
Remarks by Ambassador Gingrich to the FBI Legal Attaché Symposium
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 ... Read More»
Ambassador Gingrich: Ending Human Trafficking must be a Global Priority For us All
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 ... Read More»
Statement by U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Callista L Gingrich on the passing of Rev. Billy Graham
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 ... Read More»
Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Callista Gingrich to the Santa Marta Group
Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Callista Gingrich to the Santa Marta Group Rome, Italy February 9, 2018 Your Eminence, your Excellencies, reverend members of the clergy, distinguished members of the law enforcement community, colleagues, and friends: It is a privilege to be with you today. I would like to thank Dr. David ... Read More»
Celebrating the Contributions of Sisters Worldwide
On February 6, Ambassador and Mr. Gingrich were pleased to invite Sister Pat Murray, Sister Florence de la Villeon, Sister Gabriella Bottani, and Patrizia Morgante from the International Union Superiors General (UISG) to a lunch at their residence. The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See has enjoyed a wonderful and collaborative partnership with the UISG ... Read More»
Ambassador Gingrich meets with the Community of Sant’Egidio
On February 5, Ambassador Gingrich met with the Community of Sant’Egidio at their headquarters in Rome, where they explained their efforts to combat trafficking in persons and their mediation and interreligious dialogue programs in Africa and the Middle East. Sant’Egidio has 70,000 members around the world. They work in 25 countries in Africa where they ... Read More»
Secretary Tillerson Meets Ambassador Gingrich and other U.S. Ambassadors During Regional Chiefs of Mission Meeting in Paris
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 ... Read More»
Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Callista Gingrich on the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan
Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Callista Gingrich Pontifical University of the Urbaniana January 18, 2018 Good afternoon. I’d like to thank Cardinal Turkson for the opportunity to be with you today. Thanks as well to Solidarity with South Sudan; the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission; the Union of Superiors General; ... Read More»
President Donald J. Trump Proclaims January 2018 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we recommit ourselves to eradicating the evil of enslavement. Human trafficking is a modern form of the oldest and most barbaric type of exploitation. It has no place in our world. This month we do not simply reflect on this appalling reality. We also pledge to do ... Read More»
Ambassador Callista Gingrich presents her credentials to Pope Francis
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 ... Read More»
The Embassy is on Instagram!
Have you seen our new Instagram page ? The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See Instagram launched this month, adding to our current social media presence on Facebook and Twitter . Unlike the other two platforms, Instagram is photography-based. Therefore, we will be able to share photos from our events, announcements, and articles in a photo-friendly way. We’ve already got several photos up. Check us out at ... Read More»
U.S. Senate confirms Callista Gingrich as U.S. Ambassador-Designate to the 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 ... Read More»
Embassy visit to the Lay Center
This week, Political Officer Emmett Sapp, Public Affairs Assistant Uta Sievers, and U.S. Embassy to the Holy See interns joined students from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, as well as other interns and students from across the globe at the Lay Center in Rome. The Lay Center strives to provide formation for all peoples through religious education and promoting ... Read More»
Embassy supports Harambe on mission for “a better Africa”
The Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance attended a concluding reception hosted by Chargé d’Affairs Lou Bono for their fourth biannual forum in Rome with embassy interns, Pol/Econ and Public Affairs officers. The alliance is a network of highly educated young Africans pursuing entrepreneurship focused on the African continent. Inspired by then Senator Barack Obama in 2007, Okendo Lewis-Gayle, who works for ... Read More»
Embassy Hosts Rabbi Arthur Schneier, Prominent Religious Freedom Advocate
Chargé d’Affaires Louis Bono hosted a breakfast in honor of Rabbi Arthur Schneier, a Holocaust survivor and founder of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation on July 5th. In attendance were ambassadors from several countries to the Holy See and prominent leaders of local Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities. Chargé Bono introduced the Rabbi with remarks on the importance of ... Read More»
Faith communities and diplomats gather around the dinner table for Iftar
On June 19th, the Chargé d’Affaires for the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See hosted the Embassy’s first interfaith Iftar meal. “Iftar” is the prayer time with which Muslims break their sunrise to sunset fast each day during the month of Ramadan. It often includes first eating dates, as the prophet Mohammed is believed to have ... Read More»
“Something I will never forget”: Melania Trump at Vatican Pediatric Hospital
On May 24, First Lady Melania Trump met with Pope Francis, alongside President Trump, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. This private audience followed a half-hour conversation between President Trump and Pope Francis, where the two leaders discussed topics including religious freedom and the promotion of peace. During the private audience, Mrs. Trump, a Catholic, greeted ... Read More»
Ivanka Trump Discusses Trafficking in Persons with Vatican Officials
On May 24, Senior Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump met with Pope Francis, alongside President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner. This private audience followed a half-hour conversation between President Trump and Pope Francis, where the two leaders discussed topics including religious freedom and the promotion of peace. Ms. Trump ... Read More»
President Trump Visits Vatican and Meets with Pope Francis
On May 24, President Trump visited the Vatican and had a half-hour private audience with Pope Francis. A White House press release reports that the two leaders discussed how the United States and the Holy See can cooperate to combat terrorism, as well as how “religious communities can combat human suffering in crisis regions,” particularly ... Read More»
“Let us all be peace makers:” Sister Carol Speaks to Religious Organizations in Rome
While in Rome, Sister Carol Tahhan, recipient of the 2017 International Woman of Courage Award, had the opportunity to meet with Embassy officials, Vatican press, and attend a papal audience and meet Pope Francis. Additionally, she was present at several meetings with religious leaders and organizations including the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), and ... Read More»
Sister Carol meets Pope Francis
On April 12, 2017, International Woman of Courage (IWOC) Award recipient, Sister Carol Tahhan of Syria attended a papal audience in St. Peter’s Square. Following the audience, Sister Carol and Salesian Sister Chiara Cazzuola, Vicar General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, had the chance to meet Pope Francis and ask for his blessing. In an interview with Italian television station, TV2000, Sister ... Read More»
Sister Carol Receives International Women of Courage Award
Since 2007, the State Department has been honoring women from around the world who have exhibited exceptional courage and leadership, who have drawn strength from adversity to help transform their societies, with their International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award . This year, the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See nominated Sister Carol Tahhan of Syria. In March, she was recognized during ... Read More»
Webinar on U.S. Embassies’ Grants Programs
The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See’s Public Affairs Officer, Tanya Salseth, addressed participants in the International Union of Superiors General’s webinar, “Partnering with U.S. Embassies on Grants and Fundraising”, on March 29, 2017. She discussed the various grant opportunities offered by U.S. Embassies around the world, and the ways religious can increase their chances of receiving these grants. During ... Read More»
Women Religious as Peacebuilders
The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See hosted its second Women Religious and Peacebuilding event on March 17, 2017, in celebration of Women’s History Month. Men and women from religious and lay organizations participated in the event, including featured speakers Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love of The Catholic University of America, and Ms. Patrizia Morgante of the International Union of ... Read More»
Ambassador Hackett’s Farewell Message
Ambassador Ken Hackett completed his three and a half years as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See and started his well-deserved retirement on January 19, 2017. In this three minute video, the Ambassador talks about working with the Holy See on human rights, human trafficking, peace building, poverty, concerns about minorities in the Middle East, ... Read More»
Catholic News Service: Highlights of Ambassador Hackett’s Time at the Vatican
Faith and diplomacy: Hackett reflects on role as U.S. envoy to Vatican By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service 12.15.2016 VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Ken Hackett, the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, is gearing up to try retirement for the second time. The retired president of Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops’ overseas aid agency, ... Read More»
Secretary of State Kerry Meets Pope Francis
December 2, 2016 U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is on travel to Vatican City. He met with His Holiness Pope Francis this morning in the Apostolic Palace. Click through our gallery to see more photos of the Secretary’s visit with the Pope. Secretary Kerry will also meet with Holy See Secretary of State Cardinal ... Read More»
U.S. Interreligious Dialogue Expert speaks about Climate Change
What can interreligious dialogue contribute to combating climate change? A lot according to the U.S. State Department’s Special Representative for Religion and Global Affairs, Shaun Casey. In Part II of a wide ranging interview with Vatican Radio’s Tracey McClure, Casey recounted his involvement in the 30 November – 12 December 2015 UN Climate Change Conference ... Read More»
Making Democracy One’s Own: Muslim and Catholic Perspectives
On May 30 and 31, 2016, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Ken Hackett, and U.S. Special Representative for Religion and Global Affairs, Shaun Casey, spoke at “Making Democracy One’s Own,” a conference that was co-hosted by the University of Notre Dame, John Cabot University, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Sophia University ... Read More»
U.S. Expert speaks about State of Interreligious Dialogue
The U.S. State Department’s Special Representative for Religion and Global Affairs says religious literacy is at the heart of educated citizenship and that interfaith interaction in the classroom and on the soccer field can build healthy, pluralist societies. Shaun Casey was in Rome this week at a conference (see picture) and also spoke to Vatican Radio’s ... Read More»
U.S. Expert urges Protection for Religious Minorities
Knox Thames, Special Adviser for Religious Minorities in the Near East and South and Central Asia, visited Rome to meet with Vatican officials about preventing religious persecution in the Middle East. Speaking to journalists, he laid out the challenges for Christian communities in Iraq, for whom the “door is closing” due to persecution by the ... Read More»
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