Overview
The internship program of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York offers qualified Catholic college graduates and graduate students the opportunity to gain experience assisting the Holy See’s multilateral work at the UN and bringing the voice of Catholic Social Teaching to international debates. Interns receive an orientation on the history of the Holy See’s diplomatic mission at the United Nations; attend UN meetings, conferences, and debates; prepare reports for the Holy See’s central offices in the Vatican; assist with Mission conferences; and participate in receptions and cultural events hosted by the Holy See and other Missions.
Three cycles are offered annually:
- Fall: early September–mid-December
- Spring: second Monday of January–end of May
- Summer: first Monday of June–end of August
Interns may serve more than one cycle or up to a full year; however, due to the volume of applications and the desire to accommodate as many qualified candidates as possible, acceptance for multiple sessions is increasingly rare. Each cycle begins with an orientation and training program. Up to nine interns are accepted per session.
Application Process
Application deadlines are:
- April 15 — Fall Session
- October 1 — Spring Session
- January 1 — Summer Session
In the first phase, applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and two letters of recommendation (one academic and one from a Catholic pastor or chaplain) as a single PDF by email to internship@holyseemission.org with “Internship Application” in the subject line. Early submission is encouraged. Candidates selected for the second phase will be invited to complete an exercise addressing a current UN debate topic. Finalists will then be interviewed via Zoom by a panel of three Mission staff members. Those who performed the best across all three phases will be selected.
Selection Criteria
Due to the nature of the Mission’s work, applicants must:
- Be practicing Catholics who understand and support Catholic Social Teaching.
- Hold a university degree or be enrolled in a graduate program (undergraduates may apply but preference is given to graduates).
- Be fluent in English and preferably in one or more UN official languages.
- Demonstrate strong writing, analytical, research, and collaborative abilities.
- Be no older than 30 years of age.
Hours
Interns normally work Monday through Friday 9 am to 6 pm. There are occasional nighttime events, as well as, once or twice a year, the need to assist in covering sessions when the UN is meeting on weekends. Attendance at the daily staff meeting after Midmorning Prayer each day at 9 am in the Mission Chapel is obligatory. Every first Friday of the month, and on Holy Days of Obligation, a Mass is celebrated at the Chapel in the Mission that all staff and interns are expected to attend.
Housing, Meals, and Fellowships
Interns are responsible for securing housing, travel to and from New York, insurance, and personal expenses. A list of housing options (typically dormitory-style) is shared after acceptance. Interns may also arrange independent accommodations, including sublets or stays with family or friends.
A laptop and Microsoft Office subscription are required. The Mission reimburses daily commuting costs and provides lunch daily at 1:15 p.m.
The Mission partners with certain Catholic colleges and universities that fund fellows for a semester or academic year. Interns not affiliated with these programs may apply for financial assistance by demonstrating need. Details of this process are provided upon acceptance.
Current Interns
SPRING 2025
First row/Seated (L to R): Giulia Spano (Italy), Grace Schwab (USA), Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Cecilia Gillis (Canada), Beatrice O'Connor (UK)
Second/Back row (L to R): James Travers (Nicaragua), Simon Taylor (USA), Manuel Navarro (Spain), Gabriele Vitiello (Italy) and Elizabeth Rengifo-Vega (USA)
Further Inquiries and questions
"Those with questions not answered here are invited to email internship@holyseemission.org or contact Fr. Rufus Kenny at (212) 370-7885