Jubilee of the Holy See
Pope Leo XIV meets with the Apostolic Nuncios
On the 10th of June, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV met the Pontifical Representatives to States and International Organisations across the globe, who had congregated in the Vatican for the Jubilee of the Holy See.
In his address, he lauded their irreplaceable role and encouraged them to serve as 'the eyes of Peter', fostering relationships characterized by 'the same humility and realism' as St. Peter. Furthermore, he emphasized that the Apostolic Nuncios should serve as instruments of communion and unity, upholding the dignity of the human person and fostering sincere and constructive relations with the authorities with whom they are required to cooperate.
Pope Leo XIV received U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres
On Wednesday 11 June, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received in audience, in his study at the Paul VI Hall (Vatican City), the Secretary-General of the United Nations, His Excellency António Guterres, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
During the cordial talks with the Secretariat of State, the Holy See expressed support for the United Nations’ commitment to world peace. Attention then turned to various ongoing processes and forthcoming summits organized by the United Nations, as well as to the difficulties the Organization faces in addressing various crises currently unfolding around the world. The conversation also touched on specific situations of conflict and instability.
Holy See Statements
at the United Nations
Statement by the Holy See at the Security Council Open Debate on Poverty, Underdevelopment, and Conflict: Implications for the Maintenance of International Peace and Security
On 23 June 2025, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations issued a statement at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Poverty, Underdevelopment, and Conflict: Implications for the Maintenance of International Peace and Security.
The statement was delivered by Monsignor Marco Formica, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations.
Highlighting the interconnected nature of poverty, underdevelopment, and conflict as serious obstacles to international peace and security, it was stressed that lasting peace requires more than the absence of war.
Recalling Pope St. Paul VI’s prophetic declaration that “development is the new name for peace,” it was noted that peace demands the active promotion of human fraternity, cooperation, and shared prosperity.
Msgr. Formica expressed concern at the ever-increasing military expenditure, and reiterated the Holy See’s proposal to establish a global fund partially financed by redirecting military expenditures toward development, to advance a more just and sustainable path towards peace, and to protect and promote human dignity.
Statement by the Holy See at the
United Nations Security Council
Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict
On 26 June 2025, the Holy See issued a statement during the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict.
The statement was delivered by Monsignor Marco Formica, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations.
Expressing deep concern of the resurgence of armed conflict and the increasing acceptance of force as a means of resolving disputes, the Holy See stressed that the protection of innocent lives should be placed above all political, military, or strategic considerations. The recruitment, maiming, abduction, and various forms of violence against children constitute a profound violation of the dignity with which God endowed them.
In particular, the Holy See noted the dire conditions endured by children in densely populated areas affected by armed conflict, where the use of explosive weapons causes indiscriminate and disproportionate harm. In this regard, the Holy Seeinsisted on unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance, the end of the use, production, and stockpiling of indiscriminate weapons, and the effective use by the Council of all mechanisms to advance the agenda on children and armed conflict.
The Holy See concluded with brief remarks condemning the terrorist attack at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus on 22 June 2025.
Delegation Visits to the Mission
Interact Club Massignon Casablanca
On 20 June 2025, Msgr. Robert Murphy, Deputy Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, and Mr. Max Yun, Office Assistant, welcomed a group of 12 Moroccan youth leaders as part of a high-level educational program focused on global peacebuilding and value-driven leadership. They got to know about the work of the Holy See in a global context as the United Nations, ending with an engaging dialogue. "It was a moment of profound intercultural dialogue and reflection that continues to resonate with our young leaders," their leader commented.
Welcome to the Summer Cohort Interns!
The Summer Intern cohort started their work at the mission on June 2nd. The Holy See Mission wishes them a fruitful and unforgettable experience.
First row/Seated (L to R): Lily Nguyen (USA), Héloïse Dryburgh (France), Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Elena Leman-Torresi (United Kingdom), Roselyne Mwanza (Kenya).
Second/Back row (L to R): Brendan Wilkowski (USA), José Marín-Lee (USA), Andrea Branco (Italy), Jhozef Sheldia (United Kingdom), Emil Liden (USA).
Are you interested in joining the Mission as an intern? We are accepting Spring 2026 internship applications until October 1st, 2025.
Visiting the UN Headquarters in NY
An introductory visit to the United Nations could not be missed, guided by Msgr. Robert Murphy, Deputy Permanent Observer
Life at the Mission
Celebrating Birthdays at the Mission
In the month of June, we celebrated the birthday of Mr. Jhozef Sheldia, Mr. Florian Dupont, Sr. Maria Sonia Castro, Ms. Héloïse Dryburgh, and Msgr. Marco Formica! The Mission is grateful for their dedication, generosity, and continuous service.
Joyeux anniversaire! Ad multos annos! Happy Birthday! Buon Compleanno!
Visiting the Intrepid
On 6th June 2025, the Mission visited The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. It was a unique experience on a historic aircraft carrier and exhibits on various aircraft, spacecraft, and a submarine.
Spring 2026 Internship
Applications are Open
Since 2015, the Holy See Mission has had 220 interns from 40 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 2026 session, which will run from January through May 2026.