Message of
His Holiness Pope Francis for the
LVIII World Day of Peace
January 1st 2025
Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace
Pope Francis calls for justice, mercy, and hope during the Jubilee Year. Highlighting the suffering of humanity, and denouncing systemic injustices such as war, environmental destruction, and economic exploitation, the Pope urges a cultural shift, reminding us that all are indebted to God and responsible for each other. He calls for debt forgiveness, respect for life, and a reduction in military spending to combat global hunger and climate change. Francis proposes three concrete steps: cancelling international debt, abolishing the death penalty, and redirecting arms funds toward development. True peace, the Pope emphasizes, comes from disarming hearts and fostering solidarity. Ultimately, he prays for a year where forgiveness and justice lead to lasting peace.
Address of
His Holiness Pope Francis to Members of the Diplomatic Corps Accredited to The Holy See
Pope Francis delivered his annual "State of the World" address to the Members of the Diplomatic Corps of the Holy See on January 9th 2025. In his speech, he invited all people to "set aside a logic of confrontation" and rather embrace a "logic of encounter." The Holy Father called for a diplomacy inspired by hope, forgiveness, freedom, and justice.
The Pope ended his speech saying: “How I would like this year 2025 to be truly a year of grace, abounding in truth, forgiveness, freedom, justice and peace!"
2025 The Jubilee Year
Time of Pilgrimage and Prayer
Throughout this year, the Catholic Church celebrates the Jubilee, an event that fills hearts with hope. The “jubilee” recalls an ancient Jewish practice, when, every forty-ninth year, the sound of a ram’s horn (in Hebrew, jobel) would proclaim a year of forgiveness and freedom for the entire people (cf. Lev 25:10). This solemn proclamation was meant to echo throughout the land (cf. Lev 25:9) and to restore God’s justice in every aspect of life: in the use of the land, in the possession of goods and in relationships with others, above all the poor and the dispossessed. The blowing of the horn reminded the entire people, rich and poor alike, that no one comes into this world doomed to oppression: all of us are brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of the same Father, born to live in freedom, in accordance with the Lord’s will (cf. Lev 25:17, 25, 43, 46, 55).
ANTIQUA ET NOVA:
Note on the Relationship Between
Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence
On January 28, the Vatican released “Antiqua et Nova,” a document examining the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence. Developed by the Dicasteries for the Doctrine of the Faith and for Culture and Education, it addresses AI’s ethical implications across various sectors, including education, economy, labor, health, relationships, and warfare.The document acknowledges AI’s potential benefits but emphasizes the need for careful oversight to prevent misuse. It warns against AI-generated misinformation, the risk of dehumanization in labor, threats posed by autonomous weapons, and environmental concerns due to AI’s resource consumption. The document calls for AI to complement rather than replace human intelligence, ensuring that technological advancements uphold human dignity and serve the common good.
Holy See Statements
at the United Nations
Statement by the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, at the Informal Interactive Dialogue on “Preserving human dignity in armed conflict: Promoting compliance with International Humanitarian Law”
On January 28th 2025, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations issued a statement at the Informal Interactive Dialogue on “Preserving human dignity in armed conflict: Promoting compliance with International Humanitarian Law.”
Monsignor Robert Murphy, Deputy Permanent Observer and Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., of the Holy See Mission, delivered the statement.
In his remarks, Msgr. Murphy noted that International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is based on recognition of the inherent, God-given dignity of every person. Beyond compliance with legal frameworks, IHL is rooted in the moral obligation to protect this inviolable dignity.
Noting with concern the widespread violations of IHL in conflict, Msgr. Murphy underscored the importance of providing humanitarian assistance while also ensuring the protection of humanitarian personnel.
Urging international action to strengthen IHL implementation and prevent future violations, Msgr. Murphy stressed the need for active vigilance, not just passive acknowledgment, to protect human dignity.
Due to a lack of time, many speakers were unable to deliver their statements. The text was uploaded to the UN website.
Life of the Mission
With great sadness, we announce that the mother of H.E. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia passed away on January 28th
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing away of Giuseppina, the beloved mother of H.E. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, on January 28th 2025. May she rest in peace. Our hearts go out to the Nuncio and his family during this difficult time.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to H.E. Archbishop Caccia and his family. May they find comfort and strength in the Lord.
The Mission welcomes the arrival of the new Interns for the Spring Cycle
Welcome, Spring Interns!
The Mission welcomed its Spring 2025 interns on January 6 2025 This cohort, pictured above, will continue their work here until May 31, 2025.
First row/Seated (L to R): Melissa Sisniegas (Peru), Solène Vielfaure (France), Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Emily Green (USA), Carlotta Brunello (Italy)
Second/Back row (L to R): Nathan O’Hara (USA), Esther Boton (France), Mateo Arana Brando (Colombia), Marisol Powell (USA)
Interested in joining the Mission as an intern? Fall 2025 internship applications will be open through April 2025.
On Friday January 10th, the intern group visited the United Nations building for the first time. It is here that they will spend much of their time over the coming months as they work for the Mission.
Fall 2025 Internship
Applications are Open
Since 2015, the Holy See Mission has had 212 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 eight internship positions are available per cycle. The Mission is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2025 session, which will run from September through December 2025.