UN Prayer Service - 8 September, 2025
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, to mark the beginning of the 80th Session, an Evening Prayer Service will take place on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Family (315 East 47th Street – a block from the UN). His Excellency, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, will deliver a meditation.
As is customary, we have invited the Secretary-General, the President of the 79th Session of the General Assembly and the President of the 80th 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 79th Session of the General Assembly, and for the success of the upcoming 80th Session.
President of the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations meets Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV met with H.E. Mr. Philémon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, and former Prime Minister of Cameroon from 2009 to 2019, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace.
They discussed the vital role of the Holy See—as a UN Observer and global moral voice—in advancing peace, human rights, and social justice.
The United Nations and the Catholic Church share a deep commitment to dignity, solidarity, and care for our common humanity.
Holy See Statements at the United Nations
Statement of the Holy See at the
Third International Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries
Awza (Turkmenistan) - 6 August 2025
Awaza, 6 August 2025 — At the Third International Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), held in Awaza, Turkmenistan, from 5-8 August, Rev. Monsignor Arnaud du Cheyron de Beaumont, Head of Delegation of the Holy See, delivered a statement.
Emphasizing the need for strong political will to implement the Awaza Programme of Action, the Holy See Delegation called for long-term, tangible assistance for LLDCs, rooted in justice, solidarity, and the promotion of human dignity.
Highlighting poverty, especially in rural areas, as LLDCs’ most urgent challenge, Msgr. du Cheyron called for policies that address unjust structures, ensure fair trade, and support scientific and technological autonomy.
Warning against unfair trade practices, and citing the universal destination of goods as a moral basis for equitable commerce, the Holy See Delegation stressed that trade and economic growth must serve the integral human development of every person.
Visits to the Mission
It was an honor and joy to welcome His Excellency Bishop Fredrik Hansen of Oslo, Norway. His presence brought back fond memories of his time at the Holy See Mission, where he served for three years as a diplomat. His contribution during that time reflected a special commitment to the Church’s mission to defend the dignity of all people.
Bishop Hansen was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Oslo by Pope Francis on 1 November 2024, and he succeeded as Bishop of Oslo on 16 July 2025. While remembering with gratitude his service to the Holy See Mission, we pray that he may be richly blessed in his ministry in Norway.
Life at the Mission
Celebrating Birthdays at the Mission
In the month of August, we celebrated the birthday of Ms. Sherin Abdelmalek, as well as the birthday and wedding anniversary of Mr. Aikalak Booncharoen!
May God bless you and Happy Birthday!
Farewell, Summer Interns!
As the summer sun sets on August 29, the Holy See Mission bids farewell to its remarkable Summer Intern cohort. Over the past three months, these interns have brought energy, insight, and a spirit of collaboration that has enriched the Mission in countless ways. Their dedication, teamwork, and pursuit of excellence have left a lasting impression, and we are deeply grateful for the contributions they have made. We offer our heartfelt thanks and prayers for their continued success.
Looking ahead, the Holy See Mission eagerly anticipates welcoming the Fall 2025 Intern cohort on September 2, 2025. We remain committed to fostering a space where faith, diplomacy, and global engagement meet.
Farewell also to Florian Dupont
This month, the Holy See Mission in New York bids a heartfelt farewell to Mr. Florian Dupont, Human Rights and Development Attaché.
Throughout his tenure, Mr. Dupont served with unwavering dedication, compassion for the suffering of humanity, and a deep commitment to the values of the Catholic Faith. In his last greeting he said: "I was honored to be part of this adventure for a year. Thank you to the Mission for reminding me and others that peacebuilding should always be grounded in a love of, and care for, the poor and the most vulnerable."
We are profoundly grateful for his contribution and the integrity with which he carried out his responsibilities. As he embarks on the next chapter of his journey, we extend our warmest wishes for continued success, fulfillment, and grace.
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 nine 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.