Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Gabriele Caccia as the Vatican’s ambassador to the United States, according to a March 7 announcement. The appointment places Caccia, a veteran diplomat, in a key role as liaison between Rome and the Catholic Church in the United States.
The selection of Archbishop Caccia is significant because he will serve as both the Holy See’s ambassador to the U.S. government and its representative to the Catholic Church in America. This position is important for maintaining communication between local bishops and Rome, especially during times of policy debate or transition.
Archbishop Caccia, who is from Milan, previously served as the permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York since 2020. In his new role, he will be involved in selecting U.S. bishops and act as a point of contact between American clergy and Pope Leo XIV. He also takes on diplomatic responsibilities with President Donald Trump’s administration at a time when immigration policies have been met with resistance by U.S. bishops.
In his statement on March 7, Archbishop Caccia said he was “honored and deeply humbled by the decision of the Holy Father to appoint me as Apostolic Nuncio to the Country and the Church where he himself was born and raised.” He added: “I receive this mission with both joy and a sense of trepidation, conscious of the great trust placed in me and of my own limitations, yet confident in His Holiness’s prayerful support and guidance.” Reflecting on his previous service in New York, he said he experienced “warmth and openness” from Americans and expressed hope that their generosity would help him fulfill his new duties.
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, welcomed Caccia’s appointment: “I wish to extend our warmest welcome and our prayerful support to him as he carries out his responsibilities across the United States, and we look forward to working with him.” Coakley also thanked Cardinal Christophe Pierre for his years of service: “Thank you, Your Eminence, for your tireless service to the Church in the United States… I offer our heartfelt prayers and best wishes in your retirement.”
Caccia brings experience from previous diplomatic posts including assignments in Tanzania, Lebanon, and as apostolic nuncio to the Philippines. He holds advanced degrees from Pontifical universities in Rome.
Cardinal Pierre served nearly five decades in Vatican diplomacy before retiring at age 80 after being elevated to cardinal status last year. The history between Washington and Rome dates back centuries but formal diplomatic relations were only established in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan.
Looking ahead, Archbishop Caccia invoked blessings for all Americans during this year marking America’s 250th anniversary: “I trust that their generosity and collaboration will assist me in carrying out this new mission at the service of communion and peace.”
