Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical Letter
MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS
On Safeguarding the Human Person
in the Time of Artificial Intelligence
In his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, released on the 135th anniversary of Rerum Novarum, Pope Leo XIV calls for safeguarding the human person in the age of artificial intelligence. The Holy Father affirms that technology is neither neutral nor inherently harmful but risks concentrating power and shaping society in ways that undermine human dignity. The Pope urges humanity to choose cooperation over a new “Tower of Babel” and to promote truth, social justice, dignified work, and peace. The encyclical appeals to our shared moral responsibility to ensure that AI serves the common good and helps build a world in which the human heart remains a place where God desires to dwell.
Read the full Encyclical Letter
Pope Leo XIV celebrates Pentecost
During the Pentecost Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the Holy Spirit enlightens minds, renews hearts, and opens history to God’s gift of salvation. His Holiness affirmed that the Paraclete continues to transform believers, and highlighted the Spirit as the Spirit of peace, mission, and truth who fills Christian witness with joy, hope, and newness.
Read the text of Pope Leo XIV's Homily
Holy See Statements at the
United Nations
Statement of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See at the Security Council Open Debate on “Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict”
New York, 21 May 2026
On 21 May 2026, in New York, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations delivered a statement at the Security Council Open Debate on “Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict.”
The Holy See expressed grave concern over the continued suffering of civilians in armed conflict and the growing disregard for international humanitarian law. Particular attention was drawn to attacks on places of worship and religious communities, violence against medical personnel and healthcare facilities, and the ethical risks associated with the increasing use of artificial intelligence in warfare. The Holy See renewed its call for all parties to conflict to respect international humanitarian law and appealed for strengthened efforts toward prevention, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Recalling the words of Pope Leo XIV, it was emphasized that authentic peace is built upon encounter, trust and recognition of the inherent dignity of every human person.
The statement was delivered by Msgr. Robert D. Murphy, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i.
Statement of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations at the General Debate of the Second International Migration Review Forum
New York, 7 May 2026
On 7 May 2026, in New York, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See delivered a statement at the General Debate of the Second International Migration Review Forum.
The Holy See, while acknowledging the progress made in the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, stressed the importance of continuing to expand and diversify safe and regular pathways, particularly for family reunification, and strengthen regularization mechanisms. It further reaffirmed that return and readmission must fully respect international law and be based on an individual assessment with due process guarantees, while the best interests of the child and family unity must always prevail, calling for an end to child immigration detention.
The statement was delivered by Msgr. Robert D. Murphy, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i.
Statement of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations at the 11th Multistakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development Goals
New York, 7 May 2026
On 7 May 2026, in New York, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See delivered a statement during the 11th Multistakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development Goals, under the Session 3 theme “Shaping the future of science, technology and innovation for sustainable development in times of uncertainty and change.”
The Holy See highlighted both the extraordinary progress and the growing complexities of today’s technological advances, emphasizing that science, technology and innovation must always be guided by respect for human dignity and promotion of the common good. Quoting Pope Leo XIV, the Holy See stressed the importance of educating ourselves on how to use Artificial Intelligence intentionally, and drew attention to its implications, including in the ethical domain.
The statement was delivered by Msgr. Marco Formica, Counselor.
Statement of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations at the Second International Migration Review Forum - Policy Debate
New York, 6 May 2026
On 6 May 2026, in New York, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations delivered a statement during the Policy Debate of the Second International Migration Review Forum.
The Holy See reaffirmed, among others, the importance of ensuring that respect for the right to life of migrants is never subordinated to any other interests and that more efforts should be made to support family unity, with particular care for minors. Attention was also paid to digital tools and innovation, including concerns about the potential human rights violations in the use of surveillance technology in border management and the rise of the so-called “cyber slavery.”
The statement was delivered by Msgr. Robert D. Murphy, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i.
Statement of the Delegation of the Holy See at the Main Committee III of the Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
New York, 5 May 2026
Statement of the Delegation of the Holy See at the Main Committee II of the Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
New York, 5 May 2026
Statement of the Delegation of the Holy See at the Main Committee I of the Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
New York, 5 May 2026
33rd Annual Path to Peace Foundation Gala Dinner
The 2025 Path to Peace Gala Dinner, the principal annual fundraiser for the Path to Peace Foundation, was held on May 18 at Guastavino’s in New York City. Proceeds from the evening support the ongoing work of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations. Each year, the event brings together dignitaries, diplomats, and friends of the Holy See, while also fostering greater public awareness of the Holy See’s mission at the United Nations on behalf of the Holy Father and his work towards global peace.
This year, the Foundation honored Mr. Patrick Kelly, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, whose leadership alongside the continued generosity of the Knights has supported both the Path to Peace Foundation and the Holy See Mission to the United Nations in significant ways for nearly four decades. Notably, Mr. Kelly himself served as an intern at the Holy See Mission to the United Nations some twenty-five years ago, making his friendship and support especially meaningful and longstanding.
His Excellency Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, recently appointed Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America, presided in his capacity as President pro tempore of the Path to Peace Foundation Board and presented the award to Mr. Kelly before an audience of more than four hundred guests. The evening was further enriched by the presence of several archbishops and bishops, including His Excellency Ronald Hicks of the Archdiocese of New York. Archbishop Hicks offered the Invocation Prayer, while Bishop Frank Caggiano of Bridgeport delivered the Closing Benediction.
Several noteworthy addresses were also given throughout the evening. Mrs. Susan Whalen, member of the Path to Peace Foundation Board, introduced Archbishop Caccia. Msgr. Robert Murphy, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations, offered guests an insider’s perspective on the work and life of the Mission and the United Nations. Rev. Rufus Kenny, Attaché at the Mission and Executive Director of the Path to Peace Foundation, concluded the evening with a final appeal for financial support of the Foundation’s mission, asking all to offer at least a widow mite.
Special thanks are extended to Rev. Rufus Kenny, Co-Chairs Susan Whalen and Mark Ackerman, and all the members of the Gala Dinner Committee for their dedication and countless hours of behind-the-scenes work in bringing the event to life. Their vision, commitment, and attention to detail made the evening truly memorable.
The funds raised through the Path to Peace Gala enable the Path to Peace Foundation to support the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See in maintaining a dynamic presence at the United Nations and in promoting the teachings of the Holy Father on important international issues. The Foundation also works to disseminate information concerning the statements and initiatives of the Holy Father, the Holy See, and Catholic organizations dedicated to building a world founded upon justice, charity, and peace.
The Holy See Mission extends its sincere gratitude to all the guests, benefactors, and supporters whose generosity contributed to the success of this year’s Gala Dinner. For more information on the gala, please use the link below.
Life at the Mission
In May we celebrated the birthdays of Nadja Wolfe and Thien Duangmala. We wish them many happy returns!
Farewell, Spring Interns!
The Spring Intern cohort concluded their work at the mission on May 29th. The Holy See Mission would like to thank them for their work and dedication throughout these five months. We wish them the very best in all their future endeavors.
Welcome, Summer Interns!
The Summer Intern cohort began their work at the mission on June 1st. The Holy See Mission wishes them a fruitful and unforgettable experience.
First row/Seated (L to R): Fabio Crynen (Germany), Juliette Wirth (France), Msgr. Robert Murphy (Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim), Victoire Lacoudre (France), Luka Johnson (Brazil/USA).
Second/Back row (L to R): Oliver Washington (United Kingdom), Charles Connolly III (USA), Simeon Ryckembusch (Austria), Sebastianus Gobbels (Canada).
Spring 2027 Internship Applications Are Open
Since 2015, the Holy See Mission has welcomed 238 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 up to nine internship positions are available per cycle. The Mission is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2027 session, which will run from January through May 2027.