The Quest for Peace: The Holy See at the United Nations
Co-sponsored with the Church in the 21st Century Center and the International Studies Program
Archbishop Gabriele聽Caccia
Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations
Date:聽Monday, October 20, 2025
Time:聽5:30 - 6:30pm
Location:聽Gasson Hall 100
Archbishop Gabriele Caccia is Pope Leo XIV's representative at the United Nations. He was previously apostolic nuncio (papal ambassador) in Lebanon and the Philippines, in addition to holding high-ranking positions at the Secretariat of State of the Vatican.
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Motoko Rich wrote an article for The New York Times entitled 鈥淔", in which he discusses the role of the Pope in speaking out on issues and shaping global policy outcomes. The Pope has a powerful role as a voice representing over 1.4 billion people, a figure equivalent to the population of India or China. As such, the Holy See has a global pulpit which Popes have historically used to speak out on certain issues of importance to the church. In 2015, Pope Francis used this platform to speak about the threat of climate change, specifically for the poor who bear the greatest consequences. That same year, 195 nations came together to sign the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change, with ten world leaders citing the Pope in their UN addresses. Before he passed away, Pope Francis stated that he was on a mission to end the Russia-Ukraine war, and he also made explicit appeals for peace between Israel and Gaza. Pope Leo XIV has reiterated these calls for peace, but inherits the position during a challenging time in international affairs. The world faces wars on several fronts in addition to polarized politics in many countries. Pope Leo XIV also inherits a different ideological landscape of world leaders, with more countries being led by right-wing parties who often take harsh stances on migration and climate change, two key issues that the Holy See has called the world to address. Although it is too early to predict how Pope Leo XIV will use his voice to discuss global issues, he inherits a powerful pulpit in a world facing many challenges. His voice will undoubtedly play a significant role in the future of world affairs. On October 20th, Archbishop Caccia will shed light on Holy See diplomacy and current challenges to peace.听