Rest in Peace, Pope Francis
Photo from Pope Francis' historic visit to the United Nations in 2015.
The United Nations General Assembly Commemorates Pope Francis
Plenary Meeting on April 29th, 2025
On April 21st, 2025, the President of the 79th Session of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang, called a plenary meeting to pay tribute to His Holiness Pope Francis. The meeting began with a minute of silence, where every delegation represented in the General Assembly stood in quiet reflection and prayer.
This was followed by statements from the President of the General Assembly and the United Nations Secretary General.
"His Holiness Pope Francis was a man of faith and a bridge-builder among all faiths," H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres said, "He was a champion of the most marginalized people on earth." In his words, he insisted that the late Pope "was a voice of community in a world of division," "a voice of mercy in a world of cruelty," and "a voice of peace in a world of war."
Representatives from Member States around the world were present, and many shared their own statements, remembering the legacy and impact of Pope Francis.
H.E. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See, shared his own reflections. He recalled that "Pope Francis recognized the fundamental importance of multilateralism, with the UN at its centre as the pledge of a secure and happy future for generations yet to come. While not afraid to highlight the need for reform and adaptation, he was clear that the UN remains necessary."
Read Archbishop Caccia's Statement Here
Homily of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re
Funeral Mass of Pope Francis on April 26th, 2025
On Saturday morning, over 250,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square and surrounding areas to pay their final respects to Pope Francis during his Requiem Mass. An additional 150,000 lined the streets of Rome as his coffin was processed to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
The solemn service, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, was attended by 250 Cardinals, Patriarchs, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, and consecrated religious. In his homily, the Dean of the College of Cardinals reflected on Pope Francis' extraordinary 12-year ministry, characterized by his deep love for the Church, his closeness to the people, and his spontaneous gestures, which left a lasting legacy of openness and compassion.
Memorial Mass for Pope Francis
April 26, 2025
On Saturday, April 26th at noon, members of the diplomatic corps, UN High-level officials and staff, along with New York City residents, gathered at St. Patrick's Cathedral for a Memorial Mass in honor of Pope Francis. The service was organized by the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See.
The Mass was live-streamed by St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Watch Archbishop Caccia's Homily Here
Thank you from the Holy See Mission
Pictured below, the United Nations flags around the world were flown half-mast on April 29th in honor of His Holiness Pope Francis.
The Holy See Mission to the United Nations in New York would like to express our deepest gratitude for the kind words and condolences on the death of Pope Francis.
This past week, we have been deeply moved by the many stories shared of how His Holiness Pope Francis has touched lives across the globe. We are honored to have contributed to spreading his message and are sincerely grateful for the support we have received from fellow Missions, non-governmental organizations, and the United Nations Organization.
Thank you for your prayers and condolences for Pope Francis. May he rest in peace.
Save the Date:
Path to Peace Gala on 19 May 2025
Honoring His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Holy See Statements
at the United Nations
Archbishop Caccia Delivers Statement at the High-Level Meeting on Middle-Income Countries
On 1st April 2025, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, issued a statement during the High-Level Meeting on Middle-Income Countries (MICs) convened to discuss the structural barriers for MICs in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Archbishop Caccia highlighted the urgent need to address the structural challenges faced by MICs. Despite representing roughly one-third of global GDP, MICs are home to 62% of the world’s poor and face mounting obstacles including climate change, economic instability, and debt.
The Archbishop highlighted the limits of using GDP alone to measure development, noting it often excludes MICs from vital concessional financing. He called for development indicators that reflect economic, social, and environmental realities, and for scaling up debt-free financial assistance.
Looking ahead to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, Archbishop Caccia noted it would provide the opportunity to establish commitments that move beyond GDP metrics enabling MICs to achieve sustainable development.
Archbishop Caccia Delivers Statement at the General Exchange of Views at the United Nations Disarmament Commission
On 8 April 2025, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, delivered a statement in the General Exchange of Views at the United Nations Disarmament Commission during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Expressing concern at the continued rise of political instability and conflict, Archbishop Caccia noted that States are increasingly turning to military solutions. He emphasized that this shift has negative effects on multilateralism, dialogue, and international cooperation.
The Permanent Observer called on all States to overcome the fallacy of nuclear deterrence and to accede to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). He also urged the States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to engage in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect during the forthcoming 3rd Session of the Preparatory Commission.
Finally, Archbishop Caccia encouraged the family of nations to work together to establish a legal framework to address the weaponization of emerging technologies.
Archbishop Caccia Delivers Statement at the General Debate of the 58th Session of the Commission on Population and Development
On 9 April 2025, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, delivered a statement at the General Debate of the 58th Session of the Commission on Population and Development.
In his remarks, Archbishop Caccia expressed concern over the health challenges faced by populations in recent decades, particularly vulnerable groups. The Permanent Observer highlighted that child mortality remains unacceptably high in many regions. He emphasized the importance of a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of human development.
Central to these efforts, the Archbishop underscored the family as the natural and fundamental unit of society, playing an indispensable role in ensuring a healthy life and promoting well-being. He called for the prioritization of policies that strengthen and support families. He also noted the stark health disparities that persist between developed and developing countries.
The Archbishop addressed the exacerbation caused by the crushing debt burdens of developing countries, describing it as “not just an economic injustice, but also a moral scandal that demands urgent action.” He stressed the Holy See’s reaffirmation that the promotion of health and well-being must always begin with a firm commitment to the inherent dignity of every person, at every stage of life, from conception to natural death.
Statement by the Holy See at the Special Meeting of the Economic and Social Council on Forced Displacement and Refugee Protection
On 24 April 2025, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, issued a statement at the Special Meeting of the Economic and Social Council on Forced Displacement and Refugee Protection.
Msgr. Robert Murphy, Deputy Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, delivered the statement.
In his remarks, Archbishop Caccia emphasized the importance of recognizing the inherent, God-given dignity of all people, including refugees. He highlighted two key elements of best practices. First, the Permanent Observer stressed that the need to protect the fundamental human rights of refugees is a matter of principle and should be at the core of any national strategy on Forced Displacement and RefugeeProtection. The second point was the recognition that safeguarding the rights of refugees benefits the host community as well. He concluded by quoting the late Pope Francis: “We can easily forget that we are dealing with real persons who ought to be welcomed, protected, promoted, and integrated.”
Archbishop Caccia Delivers Statement at the General Debate of the 3rd Preparatory Committee of the 2026 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)
On 29 April 2025, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, delivered a statement at the General Debate of the Third Preparatory Committee of the 2026 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Archbishop Caccia began by thanking all those who had expressed sympathy following the death of Pope Francis.
Concerned by widespread rearmament, the expansion and modernization of nuclear arsenals, and a deteriorating climate of mistrust and threat, Archbishop Caccia urged the international community to abandon the logic of fear and embrace comprehensive disarmament.
Decrying the rising instability threatening international peace and security, the Archbishop called for the total elimination of nuclear weapons, and urged nuclear-armed States to fulfil their obligations under Article VI of the NPT.
The Archbishop also emphasized the moral imperative to redirect military spending towards peaceful development, and proposed the creation of a global fund to combat hunger and poverty. He also encouraged continued dialogue between the NPT and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), affirming that a world free of nuclear weapons is not only necessary, but achievable.
Life at the Mission
Celebrating Birthdays at the Mission
On April 8th 2025, we celebrated the birthday of Ms. Emily Green!
Ad multos annos!
Spring 2026 Internship Applications are Open
Since 2015, the Holy See Mission has had 220 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 Spring 2026 session, which will run from January through May 2026.