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 Malloy 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.
Pope Francis to visit 4 nations across Asia and Oceania in September
Pope Francis will make an Apostolic Journey to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore on September 2-13, 2024.
The term “Apostolic Journey” is derived from the fact that the Pope is considered the successor of the Apostle Peter. As the leader of the universal Catholic Church, it is part of his pastoral duty to visit Catholic communities around the world. Thus, “Apostolic Journey” specifically emphasizes the religious and spiritual character of the Pope's visits to various Catholic communities worldwide.
Holy See Statements at the United Nations
UN High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace under the theme “Cultivating and Nurturing the Culture of Peace for Present and Future Generations”
New York, 2 August 2024
On 2 August 2024, for the UN-High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace under the theme “Cultivating and Nurturing the Culture of Peace for Present and Future Generations” the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations made the following contribution.
This High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace convenes twenty-five years after the adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action.
Over 60 years ago, Pope John XXIII devoted an Encyclical Letter to advancing the cause of peace: Pacem in Terris. It was, and remains to this day, a compelling plea to establish peace. This concept of a peace succinctly captures in four words: truth, justice, charity and liberty.
In conclusion, the statement echoes Pope Francis’s words: “peace is the fruit of relationships that recognize and welcome others in their inalienable dignity, and of cooperation and commitment in seeking the integral development of all individuals and peoples.”
Life of the Mission
Farewell to Francesco Teruggi
This month, the Holy See Mission in New York bid farewell to Mr. Francesco Teruggi, Human Rights and Development Attaché. He will now serve as an Attaché at the Holy See Mission office in Geneva. Mr. Teruggi first joined the Mission as an intern from January to December 2020 and began his role as a negotiator for the Human Rights and Development team in May 2022.
Mr. Teruggi shared in his reflections: “Working for the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See Mission to the United Nations for more than two years has been a truly rewarding and enriching experience. It has allowed me to witness the Church's work in the global arena, advocating for human dignity and peace with a view of promoting the integral human development of each and every human being on Earth. This role has enriched me both personally and professionally, deepening my understanding of international diplomacy and allowing me to discover the beauty – and necessity – of dialogue. Being part of the Mission has also strengthened my faith, as I was constantly reminded of the Church's commitment to serving the poorest. After one year as an intern and two as negotiator, I came to realize how the family-like professional environment of the Office helped me throughout this inspiring, and sometimes challenging, journey. I leave with a profound sense of gratitude and a renewed dedication to living out my faith in all that I do. This is why I have now the privilege of serving the Holy See and its mission in Geneva.”
Congratulations! We wish him only the best!
Farewell Summer 2024 Interns!
The Summer Intern cohort concludes their work at the Mission on August 30, 2024.
The Summer Cycle of Interns, as usual here at the Holy See Mission, was a very international cohort, spanning across the globe, but united in their Catholic faith. The Holy See Mission looks forward to welcoming its Fall 2024 Intern cohort on September 3, 2024.
Delegation Visits to the Mission
Visit from St. Thomas More Center, Yale University
On 31 July 2024, officials from St. Thomas More Center visited the Holy See Mission. They participated in the communal lunch and did a tour of the United Nations Headquarters.
Visit of H.E. Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines
On 16 August 2024, the Holy See Mission welcomed Archbishop Charles Brown to join in the communal lunch.
Visit from Rev. Habil M. Kalinowski, Rector of the JPII Catholic University of Lublin
On 28 August 2024, the Holy See Mission welcomed Rev. Habil M. Kalinowski, Rector of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin.
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.