Villa Richardson
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Ambassador Callista L. Gingrich’s Remarks at a Reception in Honor of the Vatican Press Corps.
As Delivered:
Good evening and welcome to Villa Richardson!
Tonight we’re gathered to honor our friends in the Vatican Press Corps. I’ve been fortunate to get to know many of you since arriving in Rome.
Our Embassy has always appreciated the role of the press in keeping us informed, helping us deliver our message, and sharing the priorities of Pope Francis and the Holy See. On a personal note, I’m grateful for your reporting, which has helped shape my understanding of the Vatican.
Your work helps us do our jobs better. It’s that simple. And this year will be no different, as the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See celebrates a major milestone.Thirty-five years ago President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II established formal diplomatic relations between the United States and the Holy See.
To celebrate our 35th anniversary, we have special events planned throughout the year – from symposiums and concerts, to visits by notable Americans.
The first of these events will be on April 3rd, as we co-host a symposium on international religious freedom with Rome Reports. This symposium will highlight the role of the media in advancing religious freedom around the world. I hope to see many of you there.
In closing, this evening is a chance for all of us at the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See to say thank you. Thank you for the great work you do, sometimes under very difficult circumstances.
Journalism is a demanding profession, and each of you carries an enormous responsibility. There has been no shortage of news to cover over the past several months, and many of you have reported on some very painful stories. You’ve done so with grace and professionalism.
All of us at the embassy support and appreciate your work, and treasure our friendship with the Vatican Press Corps. Thank you.