Best Wishes to Pope Francis
on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
Image Source: Vatican News
On 29 June, the Church celebrated the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. In his homily, Pope Francis reflected on the lives of the two Apostles, emphasizing their transformative encounters with Jesus and their roles in spreading the Gospel. He highlighted the significance of "open doors" as a metaphor for the grace and opportunities provided by God, urging the Church to remain open and welcoming.
Pope Francis attends the G7 Session on Artificial Intelligence
Image Source: Vatican News
"Artificial intelligence, with its transformative potential, stands before us as both an exciting and fearsome prospect."
Pope Francis addressed the G7, emphasizing AI's potential benefits in various fields but cautioned against its risks, including deepening social inequalities and ethical dilemmas. The Holy Father called for responsible and ethical use of AI, stressing the importance of human decision-making and the protection of human dignity. He also advocated for international cooperation and political action to ensure AI serves the common good and respects fundamental human values. Pope Francis also met with ten heads of state and global leaders in bilateral meetings.
Holy See Statements at the UN
Statement by the Holy See at the Fourth UN Conference to Review Progress Made in the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects
On 19 June 2024, Monsignor Robert Murphy, Chargés d’Affaires and Deputy Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, issued a statement during the Fourth Review Conference (RevCon4) of the United Nations Programme of Action (PoA) on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI).
In his remarks, Msgr. Murphy stressed that any effort to control the spread of small arms and light weapons is crucial to promote peace and protect all civilians. He also reiterated the Holy See’s support for the implementation of the Programme of Action and other instruments that seek to counter the proliferation, illicit trade, and misuse of such weapons.
Msgr. Murphy expressed extreme concern about the continued rise in global military spending. He quoted Pope Francis, who said that weapons are sold to those who plan to inflict suffering “simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood.”
Msgr. Murphy underscored two concluding points. The first is that children continue to be disproportionally affected by armed conflict and that the RevCon text should include stronger provisions on child protection. The second point reiterated the importance of an approach that can effectively address the real needs of women and children who fall victim to such violence. This can be achieved by avoiding misunderstandings of terminology that could jeopardize the actual protection of such victims.
Statement by the Holy See at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict
On 27 June 2024, Monsignor Robert Murphy, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., and Deputy Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, issued a statement at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflicts.
In his remarks, Msgr. Murphy recalled the 25th anniversary of Resolution 1261 and the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions to underscore the disproportionate and catastrophic impact of conflict on children. He highlighted the disturbing trend of the increase of children killed in armed conflicts, especially those living in populated areas where the use of explosive weapons has a devastating impact. In particular, he noted the influence of the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons on children, including their recruitment as child soldiers.
Msgr. Murphy highlighted three main points. The first was that access to humanitarian assistance is crucial for protecting children. The second was that the cessation of the production, stockpiling, and use of indiscriminate weapons is an essential component to limiting the impact of armed conflict on children. Finally, he urged the Security Council working group to guarantee the optimal utilization of all available means to facilitate the implementation of the children and armed conflict agenda.
Life of the Mission
Welcome, Summer Interns!
The Mission welcomed its Summer 2024 interns on June 3, 2024. This cohort, pictured above, will continue their work here until August 30, 2024.
First row/Seated (L to R): Francesco Micaletti-Hinojal (USA), Sofia Amato (Argentina), Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Ashley Campbell (USA), Julia Zahary (Brazil)
Second/Back row (L to R): Aidan Goulart (Canada), Aaron Medina (Philippines), Pavlo Balagura (Ukraine)
Interested in joining the Mission as an intern? Spring 2025 internship applications will be open through October 1, 2024.
Happy Birthday!
This month, Sister Maria Sonia Castro celebrated her birthday.
Sr. Sonia is a part of the Mission's excellent cooking staff, whom we are very grateful for.
Ad multos annos!
Save the Date: UN Prayer Service
Each year since 1986, on the occasion of the opening of the new session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See has organized a Prayer Service for the United Nations Diplomatic Community and personnel, together with religious leaders from the New York area.
This year, an Evening Prayer Service will take place on Monday, September 9, 2024, which marks the beginning of the 79th Session, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Family (315 East 47th Street – a block from the UN). We have asked His Excellency, Bishop David Molloy of the Diocese of Rockford, Chair of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on International Justice and Peace, to share a reflection.
As is customary, we have invited the Secretary-General, the President of the 78th Session of the General Assembly and the President of the 79th Session to deliver brief remarks at the beginning of the ceremony. Prayers will be offered in gratitude for all that has been accomplished during the 78th Session of the General Assembly, and for the success of the upcoming 79th Session.
Spring 2025 Internship
Applications are Open
Since 2015, the Holy See Mission has had 162 interns from 37 countries.
The internship program provides the opportunity for bright, Catholic, English-speaking college graduates or graduate students to gain experience assisting the Holy See in its multilateral work at the UN, seeking to bring the light of Catholic Social Teaching to the debates of the international community.
Our interns are integral to the work of the Holy See at the United Nations. They attend various UN meetings, conferences, and debates, and then prepare reports that, once reviewed, are sent to the Holy See’s central offices in the Vatican. Our interns also assist with the Mission’s conferences, receptions, and cultural events.
There are three internship cycles each year: Fall, Spring, and Summer, and eight internship positions are available per cycle. The Mission is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2025 session, which will run from January through May 2025.