Save the Date
Path to Peace Gala on 18 May 2026
Apostolic Letter
In Unitate Fidei
on the 1700th Anniversary of the
Council of Nicea
23 November 2025
On Sunday, 23 November, before embarking on the Apostolic Journey to Türkiye and Lebanon, to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, held in 325 AD in what is today İznik, Pope Leo issued the Apostolic Letter "In unitate fidei."
The Holy Father's Letter is a call to unity. It reflects the hope of "encouraging the whole Church to renew her enthusiasm for the profession of faith." In Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the Authorities to listen to the cry of their peoples calling for peace.
Read the Full Apostolic Letter Here
Pope Leo XIV's first Apostolic Journey to Türkiye and Lebanon
On Thursday, 27 November, Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Journey to Türkiye and Lebanon began in Ankara, where he was welcomed by President Erdoğan. The Holy Father delivered an address to the civil authorities and diplomatic corps, urging Türkiye to embrace its vocation as a bridge between cultures, faiths, and continents, and calling the world to reject division and pursue dialogue. The Holy Father then travelled to Istanbul and Nicaea, today İznik.
Amongst the highlights of the visit was the commemoration, together with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and Heads and Representatives of Christian Churches around the world, of the 1700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council in history, held in Nicaea.
After the Pope’s four-day visit to Türkiye he left for Lebanon on 30 November 2025.
Holy See Statements
at the United Nations
Statement by H.E. Archbishop Eugene M. Nugent Apostolic Nuncio to Qatar and Head of Delegation of the Holy See
at the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2)
Doha, 6 November 2025
On 6 November 2025, H.E. Archbishop Eugene M. Nugent, Apostolic Nuncio to Qatar and Head of the Delegation of the Holy See to the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, delivered a statement in its Plenary meeting.
The Holy See reaffirmed its commitment to a vision of integral human development, emphasising the significance of a political, economic, ethical and spiritual vision for social development. This vision places the human person at the centre of all efforts to construct a just and inclusive society.
In addressing both the material and spiritual dimensions of poverty, the importance of decent work and just wages, and the role of families in fostering social integration, Archbishop Nugent affirmed that true progress in social development is not measured by power or wealth, but by uplifting the least privileged in society while safeguarding the God-given dignity of every person. He concluded by commending the Summit for providing a pivotal occasion to reaffirm this shared commitment.
Statement by H.E. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia
Permanent Observer of the Holy See
UNGA 80 - Fourth Committee
Agenda item 51: Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects
New York, 11 November 2025
On 11 November 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, H.E. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, delivered a statement at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, in the Fourth Committee under agenda item 51: Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects
Underscoring the enduring value of UN peacekeeping, Archbishop Caccia defined it as a symbol of global solidarity and a vital tool for protecting civilians and stabilizing post-conflict societies. Acknowledging both its successes and challenges, he called for clear mandates, realistic goals, and integration with political, humanitarian, and development strategies.
Concerned by rising threats to peacekeepers, including misinformation, armed non-state actors, and emerging technologies, the Permanent Observer paid tribute to those who have lost their lives in the service of peace.
Other Holy See Statements
at the United Nations
On 13 November 2025: Archbishop Caccia delivers statement at UNGA 80 – Fourth Committee Agenda item 49: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
On 25 November 2025: The Holy See delivers Statement at the High-Level Meeting on the appraisal of the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons
Life at the Mission
Pope Leo XIV meets Vatican Diplomatic Staff
On 17 November 2025, Pope Leo XIV held an audience with diplomats of the Holy Seewho work at the Secretariat of State and in Apostolic Nunciatures and Pontifical Representations around the world. The Holy Father urged them to be "pilgrims of hope, especially where people lack justice and peace." He thanked the diplomats for leaving their native countries behind in order to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Pope Leo encouraged them to exercise their priestly ministry in a diplomatic context, he said: “being everywhere the presence of the whole Church and, in particular, of the pastoral solicitude of the Pope,” and to “remember that the Church supports you in prayer.”
Thanksgiving Celebration at the Mission
This year, the community of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See - diplomats, sisters, staff and interns - joyfully celebrated Thanksgiving as a shared moment of gratitude and joy. It was a meaningful occasion that highlighted the spirit of unity and mutual appreciation at the heart of our life.
Interns' Experience
Voices from Within
As part of their journey at the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations, Charis and Matteo were pleased to share their personal insights into what this unique experience has meant to them:
Charis Liu
I thank Jesus for the incredible opportunity to serve at the Holy See Mission over the past four months. Amidst the conflict and brokenness of the world we hear about daily at the UN, this internship has reminded me that, as Catholics, we are called to speak out against injustice, to bear witness to God’s love for every person, and to never stop praying for the world.
During UN meetings, I am continually inspired by how firmly the Holy See defends the God-given dignity of every human person, and how deeply it is respected by other States and actors as a moral voice. I see that Jesus is present in the diplomatic work of the Mission, and this encourages me to keep standing up for the truth.
It has been a privilege to work alongside staff and interns from all over the world who have a genuine heart for mission. I am grateful for the friendships, the faith, and the witness I have encountered here.
Matteo Reed
My internship at the Mission so far has been profoundly insightful. I have learned that for the Holy See, development is not merely about economic growth, but about fostering integral human development, which encompasses the spiritual, social, and material well-being of every individual. Beyond this, I have loved learning from my fellow interns, whose unique international insights make for a truly cross cutting experience through which to engage with the diverse perspectives of members of the Church from across the world. It has been truly special.
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.