Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Journey to Spain
Address to the Spanish Parliament
On 8 June, during his Apostolic Journey to Spain, Pope Leo XVI addressed the Spanish Parliament. In a wide-ranging address, the Pope urged lawmakers to place human dignity at the center of all public decision‑making. Drawing on themes from Magnifica Humanitas, he emphasized the ethical challenges posed by new technologies, the need to protect vulnerable lives, the importance of the family and education, and the moral imperative to respond humanely to migration. He called for renewed commitment to peace, dialogue, and responsible political discourse, underscoring that freedom of conscience and religion are essential to a truly democratic society. The Pope concluded by encouraging Spain to remain a land of encounter, solidarity, and hope, uniting firm convictions with noble dialogue in service of the common good.
Read the text of Pope Leo XIV's Address
Pope Leo XIV visits the Headquarters of
the World Food Programme (WFP)
On 22 June, Pope Leo XIV visited the Headquarters of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Rome. An agency of the United Nations, the WFP is the world's largest humanitarian organization and is responsible for providing food assistance worldwide. In his address, the Pope thanked the WFP for its humanitarian work and urged the international community to renew its commitment to multilateral cooperation in addressing hunger and its root causes. He argued that persistent conflict, inequality, and weakened international institutions had allowed food insecurity to worsen, criticized the politicization of humanitarian aid, and stressed that access to food is a fundamental human right rooted in the inherent dignity of every person.
Read the text of Pope Leo XIV's Address
Pope Leo XIV presides over an
Extraordinary Consistory of the College of Cardinals
From 26-27 June, Pope Leo XIV presided over an Extraordinary Consistory of the College of Cardinals. During the two-day consistory, the Pope and the Cardinals engaged in a sweeping review of pressing global crises, placing a profound emphasis on advancing peace, the common good, and the Church’s social doctrine. A central pillar of the discussions was the Pope's recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, which guided reflections on the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence, the modern re-evaluation of the "just war" doctrine, and the need to champion a culture of global cooperation over a culture of power. Emphasizing synodality as essential for the universal Church, the gathering concluded with a resolute appeal for global reconciliation, declaring that violence will never have the last word.
Read the text of Pope Leo XIV's Opening Address
Holy See Statements at the
United Nations
Security Council Open Debate on “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East: Mediation and Dialogue for Lasting Peace”
New York, 11 June 2026
On 11 June 2026, in New York, the Holy See called for renewed efforts to advance political solutions to the crises of the Middle East, emphasizing that peace must be built through dialogue, trust and respect for the dignity of every human person. It stressed that there is no military solution to the region’s conflicts and appealed for an immediate cessation of violence, increased humanitarian assistance and support for mediation efforts. The Holy See also reaffirmed the urgency of addressing the situation in Gaza, ending regional escalation and advancing a just and lasting peace, including through a two-State solution.
The statement was delivered by Msgr. Robert D. Murphy, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i.
Interactive Dialogue with the Co-Chairs of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence
New York, 19 June 2026
On 19 June 2026, in New York, the Holy See stressed that the rapid evolution of AI requires rigorous, science-based evaluation to safeguard human dignity and the common good. It emphasized that technology is never neutral and inevitably reflects the values and assumptions of those who design and deploy it. Ethical considerations, it stressed, must guide the development of AI systems from the outset, examining not only how those systems are used but also the vision of the human person embedded within their construction.
The statement was delivered by Msgr. Marco Formica, Counselor.
Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict
New York, 25 June 2026
On 25 June 2026, in New York, the Holy See expressed alarm at the sharp rise in grave violations against children in armed conflict, highlighting their continued killing, injury, displacement, recruitment, and loss of access to education and healthcare—suffering that gravely offends their inherent dignity. It warned that the growing use of unmanned and AI‑enabled weapons further lowers the moral threshold of war, recalling Pope Leo XIV’s caution that technologies which distance users from the human face pose profound ethical risks. The Holy See urged full respect for international humanitarian and human rights law, stronger accountability for violations against children, and wider endorsement of the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. It concluded by emphasizing that protecting children who find themselves in the crosshairs of conflict is a fundamental test of the international community’s commitment to human dignity and the rule of law.
The statement was delivered by Msgr. Marco Formica, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i.
Meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee of the General Assembly for the Announcement of Voluntary Contributions to UNRWA for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
New York, 30 June 2026
On 30 June 2026, in New York, the Holy See stressed its strong appreciation for the vital humanitarian work carried out by UNRWA for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, noting that its education, healthcare, food assistance, and social services remain an essential lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees amid ongoing suffering and instability. It expressed deep concern over the killing of UNRWA personnel, attacks on its facilities, and any impediments to humanitarian access, particularly in Gaza, emphasizing that such acts violate international humanitarian law. The Holy See underscored the need for predictable, sustainable support for UNRWA, grounded in the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and reaffirmed its financial pledge to the organization.
The statement was delivered by Msgr. Marco Formica, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i.
Life at the Mission
In June we celebrated the birthdays of Fr. Rufus Kenny, Sr. Sonia Castro O.M.O., and Msgr. Marco Formica. With gratitude for their contributions to the life of the Mission, we wish them many happy returns!
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. 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. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, October 1, 2026.