Holy See's Delegation at the
4th International Conference on Financing for Development
30 June - 3 July 2025, Sevilla, Spain
The Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See contributed to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, held in Sevilla, Spain. It concluded with 130 concrete initiatives aimed at translating the Sevilla Commitment into tangible progress. These efforts focus on enhancing investment in sustainable development, tackling the pressing debt challenges faced by the world's poorest nations, and amplifying the voice of developing countries within the global financial system.
Holy See Statements
at the United Nations
Archbishop Caccia delivers a Statement at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, in Seville, Spain
On 2nd July 2025, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, delivered a statement at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, in Seville, Spain.
In his address, Archbishop Caccia emphasized that development is first and foremost about people and that it should serve the well-being of all, especially the poor and those most in need, fostering justice, solidarity, and peace. He stressed the need for an integral approach that fosters the flourishing of every person, every family, every community and every nation, without exception. Quoting Pope Leo XIV, he stated that “every effort should be made to overcome the global inequalities – between opulence and destitution – that are carving deep divides between continents, countries and even within individual societies”.
In his remarks, Archbishop Caccia specified that excessive debt prevents States from investing in healthcare, education, basic infrastructure, and climate resilience, all of which are vital for the integral development of peoples and the long-term development of States. This calls the moral legitimacy of such debt into question. He underlined that, during this Jubilee Year for the Catholic Church, the Holy See is calling on creditors to renew their commitment to providing comprehensive and timely debt relief, including cancellation, particularly for countries in special situations.
In conclusion, the Permanent Observer stressed that inclusive, principled and just multilateralism remains the most effective means of achieving integral human development. The time to act is now, not as isolated entities, but as one human family.
Statement by Archbishop Caccia at the General Debate of the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two - State Solution
On 30 July 2025, H.E. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, delivered a Statement at the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
Noting that only patient and inclusive dialogue can achieve a just and lasting peace, Archbishop Caccia called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages, and full protection of Palestinian civilians, alongside unhindered humanitarian access.
The Permanent Observer condemned the 7 October terrorist attack by Hamas as heinous and unjustifiable, while underscoring that the right to self-defence must respect the principles of necessity and proportionality. He further expressed grave concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including mass displacement, child casualties, and the destruction of homes, hospitals, and places of worship.
Archbishop Caccia reaffirmed the Holy See’s longstanding support for the Two-State Solution, highlighting its formal recognition of both the State of Israel and the State of Palestine. He also renewed the call for a special, internationally guaranteed statute for Jerusalem, ensuring the protection of Holy Places and the rights of all faith communities.
Statement by Archbishop Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, at the High Level Political Forum debate on SDG3 and SGG5
New York, 14–15 July 2025 – During the High-Level Political Forum at the United Nations, H.E. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See, delivered two statements on Sustainable Development Goals N. 3 and N. 5, urging to place the inherent dignity of every person at the core of development efforts.
Addressing SDG3, Archbishop Caccia described health as more than the absence of illness, calling for integrated approaches that address poverty, nutrition, education, and water access. He reaffirmed that healthcare is a universal right and should prioritize vulnerable populations, including the unborn, elderly, and displaced. Acknowledging the role of Catholic health institutions he stressed the value of person-centered care, free from ideological or economic agendas.
In his remarks on SDG5, the Permanent Observer called for greater efforts to empower women and girls, stressing that equality must go beyond formal recognition to ensure access to education, work, and safety. He warned against approaches that neglect relationships and familial roles, advocating for policies that protect motherhood and affirm the complementarity of men and women. Furthermore, he urged a renewed, holistic commitment to human development rooted in dignity and solidarity.
Read the Full Statement Here - SDG3
Read the Full Statement Here - SDG5
Statement by Archbishop Caccia at the HLPF debates on African countries, LDCs, LLDCs and the debate on SIDS: Strategies for SDG Success
New York, 15–16 July 2025 – At the United Nations High-Level Political Forum, H.E. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See, delivered two statements on accelerating SDG achievement in African countries, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Middle-Income Countries, then on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He emphasized that poverty and unsustainable debt remain critical barriers to development, denying millions their dignity and undermining integral human growth.
The Permanent Observer called for immediate and transformative debt relief—including cancellation, restructuring, and concessional financing—to enable vulnerable nations to invest in essential services such as healthcare, education, and climate resilience. He also urged a rethinking of the global debt architecture to reflect the unique challenges faced by SIDS, while highlighting the moral responsibility of wealthier nations to address ecological debt and promote environmental justice.
With only five years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda, the Holy See reaffirmed its commitment to justice, peace, and care for creation. Archbishop Caccia stressed that sustainable development must be rooted in solidarity and shared responsibility, quoting Pope Leo XIV’s call for the restitution of unjustly accumulated wealth as a path toward reconciliation and resilient prosperity.
Read the Full Statement Here - African countries, LDCs, LLDCs
Read the Full Statement Here - SIDS
Archbishop Caccia delivers statement at the General Debate of the ECOSOC High-Level Political Forum
Upcoming Event: Annual UN Prayer Service on September 8, 2025
Life at the Mission
Departures
This month, our Mission bids a heartfelt farewell to three cherished members of our community: Fr. Mark, who returns to his diocese in Washington, D.C.; Max, who continues his journey pursuing law studies in Canada; and Hélène, who has returned home to France.
We are deeply grateful for the invaluable contributions each of them made during their time with us. Their dedication, generosity of spirit, and tireless commitment have left a meaningful and lasting imprint on the life of our Mission. Though their paths now lead elsewhere, they remain part of our story—and we accompany them with our prayers, warmest wishes, and enduring appreciation.
And Arrivals
The Mission welcomes with great joy Fr. Rufus Kenny and Alberto Cerri
A Baseball Game
Attending a baseball game is more than just watching innings unfold—it’s stepping into a living tapestry of American culture. In those few hours, chatting, eating and enjoying the game in the simplest ways tightened the bonds of unity and joy between all.
Delegation Visits to the Mission
National Association of Catholic Social Action and Mission
A professional membership organization for individuals engaged at diocesan, organizational, and parish levels in the social mission of the Catholic Church that has worked for the past 40 years in collaboration with U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development and partner with Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services among other national Catholic organizations here in the United States.
As part of the "pre-retreat experience", on Monday, July 14th, after travelling into New York City from Immaculate Conception Seminary to visit the United Nations Headquarters (where the National Association of Catholic Social Action and Mission holds consultative status with the ECOCOC Council), participants met with the Archbishop to share about the work of the Holy See Mission at the United Nations, and being a moral witness at the world body.
Teens Service & Summer Day Camp
The Mission received teens from the Holy Name of Jesus - St. Gregory the Great Parish, as part of their: "Take Courage – Let’s Light Up Our City!" camp. The program aimed to lead them from local acts of love within their parish, all the way to the global witness of the Church’s mission at the United Nations.
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.