Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines is appointed new Permanent Observer to the UN

By Robin Gomes

Pope Francis on Saturday appointed Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia as the new Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations.  He succeeds Philippine Archbishop Bernardito Auza, who on October 1, 2019 was named by Pope Francis as Apostolic Nuncio to Spain and Andorra. 

Since September 12, 2017, Archbishop Caccia has been serving as Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

Born in Milan, northern Italy, on 24 February 1958, he has ordained to the priesthood on 11 June 1983.  After serving in a parish for three years, he was sent to the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome where obtained a Doctorate in Theology and a Licentiate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Gregorian University.

Upon graduation in 1991, he entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See.  His first assignment was at the Apostolic Nunciature in Tanzania, where he served for two years, until in 1993 he returned to Rome to work in the First Section (for General Affairs) of the Secretariat of State of the Vatican.

On December 17, 2002, he was appointed Assessor for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State. On July 16, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon and also an archbishop. 

He was consecrated bishop on September 12, 2009, by Pope Benedict. On September 12, 2017, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

After finishing his duties in Manila, Archbishop Caccia will arrive in New York to assume his new responsibilities on January 16, 2020.  He speaks English, French and German. 

Archbishop Caccia becomes the seventh Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York since the Holy See became a Permanent Observer State on April 6, 1964.

Speaking about his new responsibility, Archbishop Caccia said, “I have really loved my time in the Philippines and will miss this beautiful country and its faithful people, to whom I express my deepest gratitude.”

He hopes to be able to fulfil well the new task that Pope Francis has entrusted to him, “seeking to bring the light of Catholic social teaching to the discussions and debates of the international community.”

The UN is celebrating its 75th anniversary next year, and Archbishop Cassia says he is looking forward to helping the Holy See assist the world body in “renewing its commitment to the pillars of its Charter, preventing the scourge of war, defending human dignity and rights, promoting integral development, and fostering respect and implementation of international law and treaties.”