UN Prayer Service
8 September, 2025
On Monday, September 8, 2025, at the vigil of the opening of the 80th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See organized a Prayer Service for the United Nations Diplomatic Community and personnel, together with religious leaders from the New York area.
His Excellency Archbishop Timothy Broglio, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, delivered a meditation.
H.E. Mr. António Guterres, the Secretary-General, and H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, the President of the 80th Session, delivered brief remarks at the beginning of the ceremony. Prayers were 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.
H.E. Archbishop Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, meets with the United Nations Secretary General Mr. António Guterres and the President of the 80th General Assembly Ms. Annalena Baerbock
Address by H.E. Archbishop Gallagher at the General Debate of the High-Level Week at the Opening of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
29 September 2025
New York, 29 September 2025 — At the General Debate of the High-Level Week at the opening of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for the Relations with States and International Organizations, delivered a statement on behalf of the Holy See, urging the international community to recommit to the foundational pillars of peace, justice, and truth.
Speaking under the theme “Better Together: Eighty Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights,” Archbishop Gallagher emphasized the urgent need for collective action to end conflicts, combat poverty, and uphold human dignity. He called for immediate ceasefires and sincere dialogue in war-torn regions such as Ukraine, Sudan, and the Middle East, and stressed the importance of protecting civilians and respecting humanitarian law.
The Holy See expressed deep concern over global instability—from violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Haiti to transnational crime in Southeast Asia—and called for inclusive development, education, and governance, particularly in Africa and Latin America.
Archbishop Gallagher also underscored the importance of reforming international institutions to reflect contemporary challenges, reaffirming Pope Leo XIV’s call for diplomacy rooted in dialogue and mutual respect. He concluded by urging nations to uphold the UN Charter and strengthen the rule of law as the cornerstone of a just global order.
The Holy See remains committed to working with all nations to build a future of peace, solidarity, and human flourishing.
Holy See Statements
at the United Nations
Statement by H.E. Archbishop Gallagher at the High-Level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar
30 September 2025
New York, 30 September 2025 —At the High-Level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar, H.E. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for the Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, urged immediate international action to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis. With over 1.2 million Rohingya displaced and 630,000 still stateless in Myanmar, the Holy See highlighted the dire conditions in refugee camps and the urgent need for increased funding to maintain access to food, healthcare, and education. Recalling Pope Leo XIV’s appeal for peace, the Holy See asked for long-term solutions rooted in reconciliation, religious freedom, and inclusive dialogue.
Statement by H.E. Archbishop Gallagher at the High-Level Meeting to Commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
26 September 2025
On 26 September 2025, at the High-Level Meeting to Commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, called for urgent global efforts to end the escalating threat of nuclear arms and recommit to the path of disarmament.
Reflecting on the 80th anniversary of the first nuclear test and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Archbishop Gallagher warned of rising tensions, rearmament, and the normalization of nuclear rhetoric. He expressed concern over the integration of artificial intelligence into military systems and the erosion of trust in international law.
The Holy See urged all nations to honor their disarmament commitments, ratify the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The Head of Delegation also called for the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and renewed negotiations on arms control.
“Now is the time to act decisively,” Archbishop Gallagher stated, “to protect humanity and our shared future.”
Statement by H.E. Archbishop Gallagher at the Fourteenth Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
26 September 2025
Statement by H.E. Archbishop Gallagher at the High-Level Meeting on the "World Programme of Action for Youth at 30: Accelerating Global Progress Through Intergenerational Collaboration"
25 September 2025
Statement by H.E. Archbishop Gallagher at the Fourth High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being
25 September 2025
Statement by H.E. Archbishop Gallagher at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Artificial Intelligence and International Peace and Security
25 September 2025
Statement by H.E. Archbishop Gallagher at the High-Level Meeting to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women
22 September 2025
Holy Mass presided by H.E. Archbishop Gallagher followed by Reception
28 September 2025
On 28 September 2025, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher presided over a solemn Holy Mass in thanksgiving for the conclusion of the High-Level Week of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The celebration offered a moment of reflection and spiritual unity, honoring the enduring mission of the UN to promote peace, development, and human rights across the globe. In his homily, Archbishop Gallagher noted that: "In the 'city that never sleeps' - and in the Eternal City I call home - encounters between rich and poor happen daily. In cities we are crowded together; and, not unlike the parable, the poor are at the gates of our houses, yet too seldom at the gate of our hearts."
Graced by His Presence: Archbishop Gallagher in NY
Graced with wisdom and encouragement—members of the Mission meet with His Excellency Archbishop Gallagher after the Mass.
Life at the Mission
Welcome Fall 2025 Interns!
The Mission welcomed its Fall 2025 interns on September 2, 2025. This cohort, pictured above, will continue their work here until December 19, 2025.
First row/Seated (L to R): Giulia Spano (Italy), Charis Liu (Canada), Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Emily Green (USA), Pauline Marie (France)
Second/Back row (L to R): Matteo Reed (UK), James Haddad (USA), Francis Louis (Malaysia), Gabriele Vitiello (Italy), Anna Wera Wilms (Germany)
After the UNGA80 High-Level Week
Voices from Within: Interns Reflect on Their Mission Experience
As part of their journey at the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations, two interns share personal insights into what this unique experience has meant to them:
Pauline Marie
During this first month of the internship, we experienced the joyful and studious daily life at the HSM. With my fellow interns, we were lucky to live the high-level week of the UN from the inside, covering meetings with heads of state from all over the world. I am looking forward to continuing to learn and grow in a spirit of camaraderie over the coming weeks.
Anna Wera Wilms
It is a great honour and joy to serve the Holy Father and Church interning at the Mission. We are invited to live Christian fellowship as full members of a friendly and dedicated team on a daily basis. And we are allowed to experience diplomacy 'hautnah,' that is to say, first-hand. Last Friday, as I listened to addresses in the General Debate and heard protests walking out of it, I gained a wholly new sense of how imperative multilateral fora such as the UN are to sow peace in the world ... and, back at the Mission, I was able to entrust conflicts and diplomatic negotiations to the Lord in our very own chapel, blessed with trust that His grace abounds where we fall short!
Day of Recreation and Recollection
The interns with Fr. Rufus Kenny reflected on the spiritual mission of serving the HSM at the UN while they were visiting St. Patrick's Cathedral and exploring the culinary delights of New York City.
Celebrating
The Anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of H.E. Archbishop Caccia, and the 80th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Oblates of Mater Orphanorum
With gratitude for their profound witness of faith, service, and dedication to the mission of the Church.
Summer Internship
Interested in joining the Mission as an intern? Summer 2026 internship applications are now open.
Summer 2026 Internship
Applications are Open
Since 2015, the Holy See Mission has welcomed 229 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 Summer 2026 session, which will run from June through August 2026.