On Saturday, Pope Leo XIV introduced Italian Archbishop Gabriele Caccia as the Vatican’s new ambassador to the United States, a strategic move aimed at easing tensions with the Trump administration.
Archbishop Caccia, 68, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Currently serving as the Vatican’s representative to the United Nations, he has previously held ambassadorial positions in both the Philippines and Lebanon, showcasing his adeptness in international diplomacy.
He is set to succeed Cardinal Christophe Pierre, who is stepping down as he approaches retirement at the age of 80.
In his address following the announcement, as reported by Vatican News, Caccia expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness about his new responsibilities. He emphasized that his mission is dedicated to “the service of communion and peace,” a sentiment underscored by the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
This appointment comes at a time when Pope Leo XIV and President Donald Trump have been at odds over various significant issues, such as immigration policies and the ongoing conflict in Iran. Caccia’s appointment signals a renewed effort to bridge these divides and foster improved diplomatic relations between the Vatican and the U.S.
The pope and President Donald Trump have been at odds over key issues for the White House, including immigration and the war in Iran.
Pierre’s ambassadorship was also at times at odds with the more conservative U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops while representing Pope Francis’ more progressive priorities.
“Stability and peace are not built with mutual threats, nor with weapons, which sow destruction, pain, and death, but only through a reasonable, authentic, and responsible dialogue,” the American-born pope said on Sunday after the U.S. and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran, according to the outlet Chicago Catholic.
“Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of enormous proportions, I address to the parties involved a heartfelt appeal to assume the moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss,” he added.
In early January, Leo also delivered a major policy speech, mostly in English, that came on the heels of the U.S. military action in Venezuela.
Archbishop Gabriele Caccia has been appointed by the pope as the new Vatican ambassador to the U.S. (Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
“War is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading,” the pope warned in the speech.
Trump called it a “great honor for our country” when Leo was elected pope last May after Pope Francis’ death, and when asked about Leo’s remarks earlier this year seemingly pressing him on policy, Trump told Politico he hadn’t seen the statements from the pontiff, but “I’m sure he’s a lovely man.”
He also said that he had met with the pope’s brother, who he called “serious MAGA.”
Last fall, the pope suggested that supporting the “inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States” is not “pro-life,” leaving White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt to “reject there was inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants in the United States under this administration.”
The pope and the Trump administration have been at odds over immigration and U.S. military actions. (Rocco Spaziani/Archivio Rocco Spaziani/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)
Leavitt, who is Catholic, added that the administration always tries to be as humane as possible while enforcing laws.
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, current president of the U.S. conference, said after Caccia’s appointment: “On behalf of my brother bishops, I wish to extend our warmest welcome and our prayerful support to him as he carries out his responsibilities across the United States.”
Trump won 59% of the Catholic vote in the 2024 election, according to Politico.
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