Pope Francis meets with the President of the UN General Assembly
Image Source: Vatican News
Pope Francis met with the President of the United Nations General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis in the Vatican on 29 July 2024.
This meeting was focused on diplomacy, dialogue and care for the Environment. The UN President gave Pope Francis a pin, which reads, “Choose sustainability", acknowledging that the topic is close to the Pope’s heart. Pope Francis returned the gesture by giving the President a bronze plaque made in the Vatican workshops. On it is the phrase, “Peace is a fragile flower.”
Holy See Statements at the UN
Statement by the Holy See at the 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development: SDGs 1 and 2
On 9 July 2024, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, issued two statements at the 2024 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council. The statements were delivered during the review of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2.
In his first statement on SDG 1, No Poverty, Archbishop Caccia recalled that poverty is “the greatest global challenge we face and is the overarching goal of the 2030 Agenda.” He noted that addressing the multidimensional aspects of poverty is beyond the reach of many developing countries, which are forced to divert precious resources to the repayment of unsustainable debt. He therefore called for radical and transformative action, reiterating Pope Francis’ call to “forgive the debts of countries who will never be able to repay them,” emphasizing that this is “more than a question of generosity, but a matter of justice.”
In his second statement on SDG 2, Zero Hunger, – delivered by Msgr. Robert Murphy, Deputy Permanent Observer – Archbishop Caccia quoted Pope Francis, saying, “Hunger is criminal; food is an inalienable right.” The Archbishop highlighted the pivotal role played by non-State actors working towards the achievement of SDG 2 and further stressed the need to transform food systems to ensure sustainability, resilience, and fairness. He called for a renewed commitment to partnerships, underscoring the Pope’s call to “enable everyone to benefit from the fruits of the earth, not simply to close the gap between the most affluent and those who must be satisfied with the crumbs falling from the table.”
Statement by the Holy See at the 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development: SIDS
On 10 July 2024, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, issued a statement at the 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council. The statement was delivered during the interactive panel entitled: Small Island Developing States (SIDS): Implementing the outcomes of the fourth SIDS Conference.
In his remarks, Archbishop Caccia stressed that the international community, as a “family of nations,” is responsible for assisting countries in special situations, including SIDS. He noted that SIDS face difficult challenges, including crippling debts, slow growth prospects, persistent food insecurity and malnutrition, and extreme vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters. He emphasized that addressing these issues “is not a matter of choice, but a moral imperative.” In this regard, Archbishop Caccia underscored the need to implement the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS and called on wealthier nations to consider debt relief or cancellation.
Statement by the Holy See at the 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development: African Countries, LDCs, and LLDCs
On 11 July 2024, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, issued a statement at the 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council. The statement was delivered during the interactive panel entitled: African countries, Least Developed Countries and Landlocked Developing Countries: Building resilience and capacity in times of crises and transition.
Monsignor Robert Murphy, Deputy Permanent Observer of the Holy See, delivered the statement.
In his remarks, Archbishop Caccia highlighted the several challenges that LDCs face which hinder the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He emphasized the need to implement measures to strengthen healthcare systems, improve and expand access to education, foster economic diversification, and ensure sustainable agricultural practices. He also underscored the need for capacity-building and for the wealthiest nations to provide resources, knowledge, and technologies in a tangible demonstration of global solidarity.
Statement by Archbishop Caccia at the Ad Hoc Committee of the General Assembly for the Announcement of Voluntary Contributions to UNRWA
On 12 July 2024, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, addressed the Ad Hoc Committee of the General Assembly for Announcement of Voluntary Contributions to the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Monsignor Robert Murphy, Deputy Permanent Observer of the Holy See, delivered the statement.
In his remarks, Archbishop Caccia reiterated the Holy See’s support for the work of UNRWA, emphasizing the need to preserve its neutrality. He expressed concern for the tragic events unfolding in Israel and Palestine since the terrorist attacks of 7 October 2023, and encouraged all parties to engage in peace proposals in accordance with UN resolutions. He also pressed for a ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and the unhindered delivery of aid to Palestinians in accordance with international law.
Archbishop Caccia reaffirmed the Holy See’s financial pledge to UNRWA and urged all States to contribute. He called for the reopening of Gaza’s entry points to facilitate the orderly delivery of humanitarian assistance. He also highlighted that military operations cannot target places that protect civilian populations, including schools, hospitals, and places of worship, and called for the safeguarding of humanitarian personnel.
Concluding his statement, Archbishop Caccia echoed Pope Francis' appeal for a lasting peace, and the protection of Jerusalem as a city of fraternal encounter for Christians, Jews and Muslims alike, ensured by a special internationally granted status.
Statement by Archbishop Caccia at the General Debate of the 2024 High-Level Political Forum
On 17 July 2024, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, issued a statement at the 2024 High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council. The statements were delivered during the HLPF general debate under the theme From the SDG Summit to the Summit of the Future.
In his remarks, Archbishop Caccia stressed the need to recalibrate efforts in light of new challenges preventing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He highlighted the importance of promoting human dignity, pursuing the common good, stewardship of our planet, and the need to focus on attaining integral human development for all.
To address the world’s various challenges, including poverty, hunger, climate change, and conflict, Archbishop Caccia called for collaborative and concerted action, strengthened international cooperation, reinvigorated multilateralism, and partnerships that “transcend borders and ideologies.” He expressed the importance of reaffirming the shared commitment to the 2030 Agenda with a spirit of solidarity and the resolve to deliver a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Life of the Mission
Happy Birthday!
This month, Sister Maria Carmen Melendez celebrated her birthday.
Sr. Carmen is a part of the Mission's excellent cooking staff, whom we are very grateful for.
Ad multos annos!
Delegation Visit to the Mission
Visit of the Salvation Army International Leaders
On 24 July 2024 the Holy See Mission welcomed the members of the International Social Justice Commission. This meeting focussed on the importance of Faith representation at the United Nations and the history of the Holy See's Mission.
Save the Date: UN Prayer Service
Each year since 1986, on the occasion of the opening of the new session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See has organized a Prayer Service for the United Nations Diplomatic Community and personnel, together with religious leaders from the New York area.
This year, an Evening Prayer Service will take place on Monday, September 9, 2024, which marks the beginning of the 79th Session, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Family (315 East 47th Street – a block from the UN). We have asked His Excellency, Bishop David Molloy of the Diocese of Rockford, Chair of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on International Justice and Peace, to share a reflection.
As is customary, we have invited the Secretary-General, the President of the 78th Session of the General Assembly and the President of the 79th Session to deliver brief remarks at the beginning of the ceremony. Prayers will be offered in gratitude for all that has been accomplished during the 78th Session of the General Assembly, and for the success of the upcoming 79th Session.
Spring 2025 Internship
Applications are Open
Since 2015, the Holy See Mission has had 162 interns from 37 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 eight internship positions are available per cycle. The Mission is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2025 session, which will run from January through May 2025.