(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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 13 August, 2018 | Topics:
News, U.S. & Holy See, Vice President Mike Pence
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 9 August, 2018 | Topics:
News
| Tags: Boldline, Religious Freedom
DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS: AUGUST 31, 2018 Program Description The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See is pleased to offer a small grants program and we invite organizations to submit proposals for projects or events based on the criteria below. The aim of the grants program is to further U.S. foreign ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 9 August, 2018 | Topics:
News
| Tags: grants
(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
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 30 June, 2018 | Topics:
Events, News
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 28 June, 2018 | Topics:
News, Official Reports
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
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. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 13 June, 2018 | Topics:
Events, News
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
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 15 May, 2018 | Topics:
News
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 14 May, 2018 | Topics:
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
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 28 March, 2018 | Topics:
News, U.S. & Holy See
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
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. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 13 March, 2018 | Topics:
News
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 13 March, 2018 | Topics:
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
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 9 February, 2018 | Topics:
News
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 6 February, 2018 | Topics:
News
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 6 February, 2018 | Topics:
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
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; ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 18 January, 2018 | Topics:
News
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 2 January, 2018 | Topics:
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
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 31 October, 2017 | Topics:
Embassy, News, Public Affairs
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
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 13 September, 2017 | Topics:
Education, Embassy, News
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 12 September, 2017 | Topics:
Business, Chargé D’Affaires, Deputy Chief of Mission, Economic Affairs, Events, News
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 6 July, 2017 | Topics:
Chargé D’Affaires, Deputy Chief of Mission, Featured Event, History, Human Rights, News
| Tags: Holocaust, Rabbi Schneier, Religious Freedom
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 20 June, 2017 | Topics:
Chargé D’Affaires, Deputy Chief of Mission, Events, Featured Event, News, Success Stories
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 26 May, 2017 | Topics:
Child and Family Matters, Featured Event, News, President Donald Trump
| Tags: bambino gesu hospital, melania trump, Vatican
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 25 May, 2017 | Topics:
Chargé D’Affaires, Events, Government Offices, Human Rights, News, President Donald Trump, U.S. & Holy See
| Tags: anti-slavery, anti-trafficking, ivanka trump, TIP
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 25 May, 2017 | Topics:
Chargé D’Affaires, Deputy Chief of Mission, Key Officials, News, President Donald Trump, Secretary Rex Tillerson, U.S. & Holy See
| Tags: Pope Francis, Vatican Secretariat of State
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 13 April, 2017 | Topics:
Alumni, Events, Interviews, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories
| Tags: sistersofcourage
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 13 April, 2017 | Topics:
Events, Human Rights, News, Public Affairs, Success Stories, U.S. & Holy See, Video
| Tags: carol tahhan, iwoc, Pope Francis
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 12 April, 2017 | Topics:
Featured Event, Human Rights, News, Success Stories, Video
| Tags: carol tahhan, iwoc, melania trump, salesian sisters
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 30 March, 2017 | Topics:
Events, Federal Benefits, Human Rights, News, U.S. Agencies
| Tags: grants, strategy, UISG
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 20 March, 2017 | Topics:
Chargé D’Affaires, Deputy Chief of Mission, Events, Human Rights, News
| Tags: Conflict resolution, maryann cusimano love, peacebuilding, UISG
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, ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 25 January, 2017 | Topics:
Embassy, Former U.S. Ambassadors, News, Video
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, ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 16 December, 2016 | Topics:
Embassy, Former U.S. Ambassadors, News
| Tags: Catholic News Service, Ken Hackett, Kenneth F. Hackett
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 2 December, 2016 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, Secretary John Kerry, U.S. & Holy See
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 2 June, 2016 | Topics:
Environment, Human Rights, Interviews, Key Officials, News
| Tags: global affairs, Notre Dame University, refugee crisis, religion, Vatican Radio
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 1 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events, Featured Event, Human Rights, Key Officials, News
| Tags: Democracy, grants, interfaith dialogue, interreligious dialogue, John Cabot University, Notre Dame University
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 31 May, 2016 | Topics:
Human Rights, Interviews, Key Officials, News
| Tags: 9/11, interfaith dialogue, Religion and Global Affairs, Shaun Casey, Vatican Radio
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Holy See | 26 May, 2016 | Topics:
Human Rights, Key Officials, Near East & North Africa, News
| Tags: Iraq, Islamic State, Knox Thames, religious minorities, Vatican Radio
