Showing posts with label ambassador. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ambassador. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Saturday, August 29, 2026
US Ambassador to the Vatican meets with Trump, Vance, Rubio
Brian Burch, co-founder of CatholicVote, is serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican, discussing with the U.S. political leaders this week ways to work with the Vatican on cultivating peace and religious freedom.
August 27, 2026
U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch met with President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week in Washington, D.C., according to an Aug. 27 statement from the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See.
They met “to discuss how we can partner with the Holy See to promote global peace and religious freedom,” the embassy said in the statement.
Ambassador Burch meets with President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Credit: U.S. in Holy See)
August 27, 2026
U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch met with President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week in Washington, D.C., according to an Aug. 27 statement from the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See.
They met “to discuss how we can partner with the Holy See to promote global peace and religious freedom,” the embassy said in the statement.
Wednesday, July 08, 2026
Fit for a pontiff: How the US Embassy to the Holy See prepared to host Pope Leo for a special July 4 celebration
The evening marked a historic visit to the U.S. ambassador’s residence as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary.
When Pope Leo XIV accepted an invitation from the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See to celebrate the Fourth of July with a special dinner, a significant amount of effort went into making the occasion impeccable and memorable.
The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See posted a video to social media this week offering a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations that took place ahead of the July 4 occasion, saying dedicated teamwork was required.
“Hosting a July 4th dinner for the Holy Father doesn't happen by accident,” the embassy stated. “Behind every perfectly set table, every carefully prepared dish, and every seamless moment of the evening stood a dedicated team at Villa Richardson who spent weeks planning, preparing, and perfecting every detail. A huge thanks to our wonderful team!”
U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch and his family welcomed Pope Leo the afternoon of July 4 at the ambassador’s residence in Rome, as Zeale News reported that day with exclusive comments from Burch.
>> Exclusive | Pope Leo XIV marks Fourth of July with historic visit to US ambassador’s residence in Rome <<
When Pope Leo XIV accepted an invitation from the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See to celebrate the Fourth of July with a special dinner, a significant amount of effort went into making the occasion impeccable and memorable.
The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See posted a video to social media this week offering a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations that took place ahead of the July 4 occasion, saying dedicated teamwork was required.
“Hosting a July 4th dinner for the Holy Father doesn't happen by accident,” the embassy stated. “Behind every perfectly set table, every carefully prepared dish, and every seamless moment of the evening stood a dedicated team at Villa Richardson who spent weeks planning, preparing, and perfecting every detail. A huge thanks to our wonderful team!”
U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch and his family welcomed Pope Leo the afternoon of July 4 at the ambassador’s residence in Rome, as Zeale News reported that day with exclusive comments from Burch.
>> Exclusive | Pope Leo XIV marks Fourth of July with historic visit to US ambassador’s residence in Rome <<
Sunday, March 08, 2026
Pope Leo picks new Vatican ambassador to US as Trump tensions mount over policies
The pope and the president have been at odds over immigration and US military actions
By Brie Stimson Fox News
Published March 7, 2026 4:58pm EST
People Leo XIV on Saturday announced the appointment of the Vatican’s new ambassador, Apostolic Nuncio, to the U.S. to help manage strained relations with the Trump administration.
Italian Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, 68, a veteran Vatican diplomat who is currently ambassador to the United Nations, previously served as ambassador to the Philippines and Lebanon.
Caccia is replacing 80-year-old Cardinal Christophe Pierre, who is retiring.
"I receive this mission with both joy and a sense of trepidation," Caccia said after the appointment, according to the Vatican News. He added that his mission was "at the service of communion and peace," remembering that 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of 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 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."
In early January, Leo also delivered a major policy speech, mostly in English, after 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)
Tuesday, December 02, 2025
FORMER UN AMBASSADOR’S SON BECOMES CATHOLIC | NIKKI HALEY | DONALD TRUMP...
FORMER UN AMBASSADOR’S SON BECOMES CATHOLIC | NIKKI HALEY | DONALD TRUMP | HOLY COMMUNION | SG NEWS
Apr 14, 2025
FORMER UN AMBASSADOR’S SON BECOMES CATHOLIC | NIKKI HALEY | DONALD TRUMP | HOLY COMMUNION | US NEWS | CHRISTIANITY | UN AMBASSADOR | SG NEWS
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
New US ambassador to Holy See presents credentials to Pope Leo
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September 13, 2025
New US ambassador to Holy See presents credentials to Pope Leo
The Catholic Herald
Pope Leo XIV has received Brian Burch, the new US ambassador to the Holy See, in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.
During the audience on Saturday morning, 13 September, Burch formally presented his letters of credence to the Pope, reports the Catholic News Agency (CNA).
Burch, 50, was confirmed in the position by the US Senate on 2 August in a 49-44 vote. He was nominated by President Donald Trump in December 2024 and succeeds former ambassador Joe Donnelly, who served under the Joe Biden administration.
In a statement following his confirmation, Burch said he was “profoundly grateful” to the president and Senate for the opportunity to serve, and asked for the prayers of Catholics across the United States “that I may serve honourably and faithfully in the noble adventure ahead".
He also noted that "[i]n a remarkable coincidence, or what I prefer to attribute to providence, Pope Leo XIV is from Chicago, which is also my hometown".
Now a native of Phoenix, Arizona, Burch is married and the father of nine children. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dallas in 1997 and began his career in business before moving into Catholic nonprofit leadership.
From 2005 until his confirmation this year, he was president of CatholicVote Civic Action and the CatholicVote Education Fund, organisations dedicated to promoting Catholic engagement in public life, CNA reports.
It adds that during his time with CatholicVote, Burch became a nationally recognised figure in Catholic-related political advocacy, which included his encouraging US Catholics to participate in the democratic process, especially defending religious liberty and the sanctity of life.
Burch has emphasised the enduring importance of the US-Holy See relationship, describing it as “one of the most unique in the world”. He has also highlighted the Catholic Church’s “global reach and moral witness” as a vital part of the US diplomatic mission to promote peace, human dignity and prosperity around the world, CNA reports.
Photo: Brian Burch, US ambassador to the Holy See, presents his credentials to Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, 13 September 2025. (Credit: Vatican Media.)
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Trump Picks Leader Of Key Catholic Political Org, Father Of Nine For Vatican Ambassador
(Photo credit EVAN VUCCI/AFP via Getty Images)
CONTRIBUTOR
December 20, 20242:31 PM ET
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social Friday, praising Burch for “helping build one of the largest Catholic advocacy groups in the Country.” Burch is a devout Catholic and outspoken supporter of Trump who urged Catholics to vote for the president-elect over his support of religious freedom and pro-life policies.
“I am pleased to announce that Brian Burch will serve as the next United States Ambassador to the Holy See,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “Brian is a devout Catholic, a father of nine, and President of CatholicVote. He has received numerous awards, and demonstrated exceptional leadership, helping build one of the largest Catholic advocacy groups in the Country. He represented me well during the last Election, having garnered more Catholic votes than any Presidential Candidate in History! Brian loves his Church and the United States – He will make us all proud. Congratulations to Brian, his wife Sara, and their incredible family!
The Holy See Ambassador serves as the official representative of the United States to the Vatican.
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social Friday, praising Burch for “helping build one of the largest Catholic advocacy groups in the Country.” Burch is a devout Catholic and outspoken supporter of Trump who urged Catholics to vote for the president-elect over his support of religious freedom and pro-life policies.
“I am pleased to announce that Brian Burch will serve as the next United States Ambassador to the Holy See,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “Brian is a devout Catholic, a father of nine, and President of CatholicVote. He has received numerous awards, and demonstrated exceptional leadership, helping build one of the largest Catholic advocacy groups in the Country. He represented me well during the last Election, having garnered more Catholic votes than any Presidential Candidate in History! Brian loves his Church and the United States – He will make us all proud. Congratulations to Brian, his wife Sara, and their incredible family!
The Holy See Ambassador serves as the official representative of the United States to the Vatican.
(RELATED: ‘Sign Of Great Hope’: Religious Leaders See A ‘Fourth Great Awakening’ As Americans Flock To Christianity)
Burch took to X to accept the nomination.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to have been nominated by President Trump to serve as the United States Ambassador to the Holy See. Words cannot express my gratitude to all those that have helped me achieve this nomination,” Burch wrote. “I am committed to working with leaders inside the Vatican and the new Administration to promote the dignity of all people and the common good. I look forward to the confirmation process and the opportunity to continue to serve my country and the Church. To God be the glory.”
Burch openly supported Trump’s election run, issuing a memo urging Catholics not to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, previously telling the Daily Caller News Foundation that the Democratic ticket “poses an existential threat to Catholics and all people of goodwill.”
“This is a candidate who doesn’t merely disagree with Catholics, but has a deep animus towards Catholics,” Burch warned at the time, adding that Harris has proven to have “broad hostility to Catholic institutions, Catholic moral beliefs, religious freedom and policies that would undermine the common good of the entire country.”
Trump’s victory on Nov. 5 was due in no small part to the Catholic vote, holding a double-digit lead over President Joe Biden despite losing the same group to him in 2020. Trump’s pro-life stance, defense of religious freedom and decision to pick Catholic J.D. Vance as his running may are all possible factors in Catholics’ voting trend this election.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
Burch took to X to accept the nomination.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to have been nominated by President Trump to serve as the United States Ambassador to the Holy See. Words cannot express my gratitude to all those that have helped me achieve this nomination,” Burch wrote. “I am committed to working with leaders inside the Vatican and the new Administration to promote the dignity of all people and the common good. I look forward to the confirmation process and the opportunity to continue to serve my country and the Church. To God be the glory.”
Burch openly supported Trump’s election run, issuing a memo urging Catholics not to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, previously telling the Daily Caller News Foundation that the Democratic ticket “poses an existential threat to Catholics and all people of goodwill.”
“This is a candidate who doesn’t merely disagree with Catholics, but has a deep animus towards Catholics,” Burch warned at the time, adding that Harris has proven to have “broad hostility to Catholic institutions, Catholic moral beliefs, religious freedom and policies that would undermine the common good of the entire country.”
Trump’s victory on Nov. 5 was due in no small part to the Catholic vote, holding a double-digit lead over President Joe Biden despite losing the same group to him in 2020. Trump’s pro-life stance, defense of religious freedom and decision to pick Catholic J.D. Vance as his running may are all possible factors in Catholics’ voting trend this election.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
Monday, January 08, 2024
Pope Francis calls surrogacy “deplorable”
Revelation 13:3
Friday, November 09, 2018
Trump administration ‘working closely’ with Church anti-trafficking groups, ambassador says
Nov 9, 2018
NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT
NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT
U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Callista Gingrich, in a file photo. (Credit: CNS.)
NEW YORK - Ending human trafficking is a top priority for the Trump administration, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Callista Gingrich said on Friday.
“The Trump Administration is fighting human trafficking on all fronts, through vigorous domestic and international efforts,” she told attendees at a United Nations summit on “Practical Solutions to Eradicate Human Trafficking.”
Gingrich recalled Trump’s recent efforts to convene the “President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons,” where he pledged that America “will not rest until we have put these vile organizations out of business and rescued every last victim.” She also noted that the United States is the largest donor to the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery, contributing $75 million dollars to the program.
The daylong summit was sponsored by the Sovereign Order of Malta, the Holy See’s Mission to the United Nations, and the UN Mission of Ireland.
“Human trafficking is a horrendous evil and a global crime that deprives millions of their freedom and dignity,” Gingrich told attendees. “No single government, organization, or individual can do it alone.”
“Human trafficking not only robs a person of their dignity, it compromises national security, threatens international peace, and distorts global markets,” she continued.
The ambassador recalled several firsthand encounters with former victims of trafficking and said that uplifting the voices of trafficking survivors is a “crucial part survivors play in the fight against this abhorrent evil.”
“The Trump Administration is fighting human trafficking on all fronts, through vigorous domestic and international efforts,” she told attendees at a United Nations summit on “Practical Solutions to Eradicate Human Trafficking.”
Gingrich recalled Trump’s recent efforts to convene the “President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons,” where he pledged that America “will not rest until we have put these vile organizations out of business and rescued every last victim.” She also noted that the United States is the largest donor to the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery, contributing $75 million dollars to the program.
The daylong summit was sponsored by the Sovereign Order of Malta, the Holy See’s Mission to the United Nations, and the UN Mission of Ireland.
“Human trafficking is a horrendous evil and a global crime that deprives millions of their freedom and dignity,” Gingrich told attendees. “No single government, organization, or individual can do it alone.”
“Human trafficking not only robs a person of their dignity, it compromises national security, threatens international peace, and distorts global markets,” she continued.
The ambassador recalled several firsthand encounters with former victims of trafficking and said that uplifting the voices of trafficking survivors is a “crucial part survivors play in the fight against this abhorrent evil.”
Tuesday, October 09, 2018
What they're saying: Nikki Haley resigns as UN Ambassador
5 hours ago
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has resigned and will exit her role at the end of the year.
Why it matters: Widely considered one of the more moderate Republican voices left in Trump's Cabinet, Haley had earned praise from diplomats and politicians across the ideological spectrum during her time as UN ambassador. At a press conference announcing her resignation, President Trump thanked Haley for her service and told her she had "done a fantastic job."
What they're saying:
Vice President Mike Pence: "Nikki Haley served our nation with distinction, faithfully advancing President Trump's America First agenda and she will be missed. ... We will always be grateful for Ambassador Haley’s courage, intellect, character, and unfailing grace."
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.): "Ambassador Nikki Haley has done an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the United Nations and showed a level of effectiveness rarely seen by someone in this position. She is a clear, concise voice for American leadership, American values, and has been a true agent of reform when it came to the United Nations."
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.): "Nikki Haley has been a clear, consistent, and powerful voice for America’s interests and democratic principles on the world stage. She challenged friend and foe to be better. I am saddened that she is leaving the administration, but so grateful for her service. Thank you, Nikki."
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.): "Nikki Haley was a strong voice for the U.S. & for moral clarity at the UN America was blessed to have her representing us. We thank her & her family for their service to our country & the cause of freedom & #HumanRights."
Sen. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.): "Nikki Haley has set a new standard for what American leadership at the UN should look like. She stood with our allies and held our adversaries accountable, even when it required standing alone on the world stage. We will miss her, but we are all better off thanks to her service."
Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.): "For decades, dictators have tried to use the U.N. as a platform to give lip service to human rights and offer cheap promises to uphold peace. Ambassador Haley was unafraid to call out their BS & Americans should be grateful for her clarity and strength."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "I thank Ambassador Nikki Haley, who led an uncompromising fight against the United Nations’ hypocrisy and for truth and justice in our country."
Amnesty International: "We hope that Nikki Haley's shock resignation will bring an end to the current low point in relations between NGOs and the U.S. mission to the UN and that her successor will work to repair the relationships. Under her tenure human rights organizations like Amnesty and Human Rights Watch were singled out by her simply for having a different opinion, including on the importance of the Human Rights Council."
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Ambassador Brownback: World faces a 'critical moment' for religious minorities
Sam Brownback, US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. (public domain)
By Courtney Grogan
Washington D.C., Mar 26, 2018 / 04:11 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- “It is more dangerous now than any time in history to be a person of faith,” said Ambassador Sam Brownback at an event marking the second anniversary of U.S. recognition that the Islamic State committed genocide against religious minorities, including Christians, in Syria and Iraq.
Brownback, who was sworn-in as ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom last month, said that religious freedom should be advanced in U.S. national security policy, assistance programs, and economic strategies.
“I would like to see religious freedom be for this administration what climate change was for the last,” said Brownback at the March 23 event hosted by the Heritage Foundation.
“ISIS’ Genocide of Christians: The Past, Present and Future of Christians in the Middle East” brought together human rights experts, academics, and religious freedom advocates to examine how best to address the threats posed to religious minorities by extremist groups such as the Islamic State.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted unanimously “that the atrocities perpetrated by ISIL against religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq and Syria include war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide” in March 2016. Shortly after, Secretary of State John Kerry named Yazidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims as victims of genocide in the region.
While the panel discussions focused on Christians in the Middle East, Brownback also spoke of threats to religious liberty throughout the world. He highlighted the plight of the Rohingya Muslims in Burma, Tibetan Buddhists and Uyghur Muslims in China, and Catholic leaders in Venezuela, who came under fire from President Nicolas Maduro for speaking out about the country’s current crisis.
Brownback called for alliances between the political left and right in working towards greater religious freedom abroad urging, “We are at a critical moment for the future of religious minorities globally.”
He also asked for prayers for the persecuted and for those involved in religious freedom causes.
"By God's grace, life always triumphs over death, freedom overcomes oppression, and faith extinguishes fear. This is the source of our hope and our confidence in the future,” said Brownback.
Washington D.C., Mar 26, 2018 / 04:11 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- “It is more dangerous now than any time in history to be a person of faith,” said Ambassador Sam Brownback at an event marking the second anniversary of U.S. recognition that the Islamic State committed genocide against religious minorities, including Christians, in Syria and Iraq.
Brownback, who was sworn-in as ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom last month, said that religious freedom should be advanced in U.S. national security policy, assistance programs, and economic strategies.
“I would like to see religious freedom be for this administration what climate change was for the last,” said Brownback at the March 23 event hosted by the Heritage Foundation.
“ISIS’ Genocide of Christians: The Past, Present and Future of Christians in the Middle East” brought together human rights experts, academics, and religious freedom advocates to examine how best to address the threats posed to religious minorities by extremist groups such as the Islamic State.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted unanimously “that the atrocities perpetrated by ISIL against religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq and Syria include war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide” in March 2016. Shortly after, Secretary of State John Kerry named Yazidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims as victims of genocide in the region.
While the panel discussions focused on Christians in the Middle East, Brownback also spoke of threats to religious liberty throughout the world. He highlighted the plight of the Rohingya Muslims in Burma, Tibetan Buddhists and Uyghur Muslims in China, and Catholic leaders in Venezuela, who came under fire from President Nicolas Maduro for speaking out about the country’s current crisis.
Brownback called for alliances between the political left and right in working towards greater religious freedom abroad urging, “We are at a critical moment for the future of religious minorities globally.”
He also asked for prayers for the persecuted and for those involved in religious freedom causes.
"By God's grace, life always triumphs over death, freedom overcomes oppression, and faith extinguishes fear. This is the source of our hope and our confidence in the future,” said Brownback.
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Pence casts tie-breaking vote to confirm Brownback as ambassador
By Chad Pergram, Alex Pappas | Fox News
Vice President Mike Pence was summoned to the Senate on Wednesday to break a tie -- twice -- on an ambassadorship nomination for Kansas Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.
It’s rare for a vice president to be needed to break a tie, especially for a former senator like Brownback.
Pence had to vote twice: first on a procedural vote to break a filibuster, and then again on the final vote to confirm Brownback.
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback was nominated by President Donald Trump to become ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. (Associated Press)
The vote was tied 49-49. Then Pence voted "in the affirmative," making it 50-49.
Brownback was nominated by President Donald Trump as ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.
The last vice president to twice break ties on the same day was Vice President Alben Barkley on October 4, 1949.
The Senate is operating with two Republicans absent. Arizona Sen. John McCain, who is battling cancer, remains out. Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker is at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Under the Constitution, the vice president also serves as president of the Senate and votes in the event of ties.
This is the seventh tie Pence has broken in a little more than a year in office. Former Vice President Joe Biden never had to break a tie during his entire eight years.
Pence cast the tie-breaking ballot to confirm Betsy DeVos as education secretary last year -- the first time a vice president had ever broken a tie to confirm a nominee.
Alex Pappas is a politics reporter at FoxNews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlexPappas.
Vice President Mike Pence was summoned to the Senate on Wednesday to break a tie -- twice -- on an ambassadorship nomination for Kansas Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.
It’s rare for a vice president to be needed to break a tie, especially for a former senator like Brownback.
Pence had to vote twice: first on a procedural vote to break a filibuster, and then again on the final vote to confirm Brownback.
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback was nominated by President Donald Trump to become ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. (Associated Press)
The vote was tied 49-49. Then Pence voted "in the affirmative," making it 50-49.
Brownback was nominated by President Donald Trump as ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.
The last vice president to twice break ties on the same day was Vice President Alben Barkley on October 4, 1949.
The Senate is operating with two Republicans absent. Arizona Sen. John McCain, who is battling cancer, remains out. Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker is at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Under the Constitution, the vice president also serves as president of the Senate and votes in the event of ties.
This is the seventh tie Pence has broken in a little more than a year in office. Former Vice President Joe Biden never had to break a tie during his entire eight years.
Pence cast the tie-breaking ballot to confirm Betsy DeVos as education secretary last year -- the first time a vice president had ever broken a tie to confirm a nominee.
Alex Pappas is a politics reporter at FoxNews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlexPappas.
Friday, December 22, 2017
Callista Gingrich formally begins service as U.S. ambassador to Holy See
posted Friday, 22 Dec 2017
Callista Gingrich (Getty images)
Mrs Gingrich presented her credentials to Pope Francis Friday morning
Callista Gingrich presented her letters of credential to Pope Francis, formally assuming her duties as U.S. ambassador to the Holy See.
Gingrich met privately with the Pope on December 22 after introducing her husband, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and members of her staff.
Neither the Vatican nor the U.S. embassy provided details about their private discussion.
In a statement, the embassy said, “Ambassador Gingrich looks forward to working with the Holy See to defend human rights, advance religious freedom, combat human trafficking and to seek peaceful solutions to crises around the world.”
But in the weeks before her papal audience, Pope Francis and U.S. President Donald Trump had very public disagreements on other issues. Pope Francis had asked Trump to respect the “status quo” of Jerusalem by not recognizing it as the capital of Israel until the city’s status was determined by a peace process.
Also, the Vatican expressed disappointment that the Trump administration pulled out of the U.N. process for drafting global compacts on migration and on refugees and that the administration withdrew U.S. support for the Paris Accord on reducing climate change.
Meeting Pope Francis, Gingrich gave him a collection of sacred music recorded by the choir she was a longtime member of at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, the embassy said. She also gave him a donation for the charity of his choice.
After meeting the Pope and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, the new ambassador was accompanied to St Peter’s Basilica by Mgr Francis Kelly, a priest of the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts, and a canon of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Mrs Gingrich presented her credentials to Pope Francis Friday morning
Callista Gingrich presented her letters of credential to Pope Francis, formally assuming her duties as U.S. ambassador to the Holy See.
Gingrich met privately with the Pope on December 22 after introducing her husband, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and members of her staff.
Neither the Vatican nor the U.S. embassy provided details about their private discussion.
In a statement, the embassy said, “Ambassador Gingrich looks forward to working with the Holy See to defend human rights, advance religious freedom, combat human trafficking and to seek peaceful solutions to crises around the world.”
But in the weeks before her papal audience, Pope Francis and U.S. President Donald Trump had very public disagreements on other issues. Pope Francis had asked Trump to respect the “status quo” of Jerusalem by not recognizing it as the capital of Israel until the city’s status was determined by a peace process.
Also, the Vatican expressed disappointment that the Trump administration pulled out of the U.N. process for drafting global compacts on migration and on refugees and that the administration withdrew U.S. support for the Paris Accord on reducing climate change.
Meeting Pope Francis, Gingrich gave him a collection of sacred music recorded by the choir she was a longtime member of at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, the embassy said. She also gave him a donation for the charity of his choice.
After meeting the Pope and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, the new ambassador was accompanied to St Peter’s Basilica by Mgr Francis Kelly, a priest of the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts, and a canon of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Durbin criticizes Dominican cardinal in letter to Pope Francis
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin on Dec. 15, 2015, sent a letter to Pope Francis in which he criticized a Dominican cardinal for using anti-gay slurs to describe gay U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic James “Wally” Brewster. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) on Tuesday sent a letter to Pope Francis in which he criticizes a Dominican cardinal for using homophobic slurs to describe a gay U.S. ambassador.
The Illinois Democrat noted that Cardinal Nicolás de Jesús López Rodríguez of the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo has repeatedly described James “Wally” Brewster as a “faggot.”
Durbin in his letter points out that López earlier this month said that Brewster was promoting “faggotry” in the Dominican Republic. Durbin further highlights the cardinal on Dec. 1 described the married gay ambassador as a “wife” who “should stick to housework.”
“The church’s teachings on gay marriage are well known but the church also teaches us to show tolerance for those with different sexual orientations,” says Durbin in his letter. “The intolerant public statements of Cardinal Rodríguez are inconsistent with that clearly stated value.”
Durbin also notes that López and other Dominican religious leaders have organized so-called “Black Monday” protests against Brewster.
“Despite these hateful words and personal attacks, Ambassador Brewster has worked to quiet the conflict between church leaders and himself,” writes Durbin. “His patience and professionalism in light of these mean-spirited attacks by the cardinal demonstrate his personal commitment to his responsibility of representing the United States of America.”
Durbin further references Francis’ call to “defend and preserve the dignity of your fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good” that he made in September during his speech to Congress. The Illinois Democrat also describes Brewster, who lives in Chicago with his husband, Bob Satawake, as “a personal friend.”
“I supported President Obama’s selection of Ambassador Brewster and he was sworn into his position in my Senate office,” writes Durbin. “Ambassador Brewster is gay and was married under the laws of the United States to his partner, Bob Satawake.”
Ambassador dismisses cardinal’s comments on Dominican TV
Brewster last week described López’s comments as “noise” during an interview that he and Satawake did with a Dominican television station.
Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director of DignityUSA, a group for LGBT Catholics, last week called upon the cardinal to apologize to the ambassador. Advocates in the predominantly Catholic country with whom the Blade has previously spoken remain highly critical of López over his comments against Brewster and other LGBT-specific issues.
“U.S. policy is dedicated to eliminating barriers to equality, fighting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and engaging LGBTI communities around the world,” State Department spokesperson Pooja Jhunjhunwala told the Blade last week in a statement. “Ambassador Brewster, like all U.S. ambassadors, advances this policy along with many other aspects of our bilateral relationship. That there may be those opposed to the promotion of human rights in various societies around the world is not surprising, but it does underscore why this work is so important.”
The Blade has reached out to the Vatican and the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo for comment on Durbin’s letter.
U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic James “Wally” Brewster, left, and his husband, Bob Satawake, at their official residence in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in June 2015. (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)
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Saturday, May 02, 2015
Christiane Amanpour named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Freedom of Expression
U.N. - Top StoriesWednesday 29th April, 2015
29 April 2015 - The United Nations agency mandated to promote and protect press freedom worldwide has named renowned journalist and CNN Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour its Goodwill Ambassador for Freedom of Expression and Journalist Safety.
Ms. Amanpour received the honour during a ceremony at UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris.
UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova praised Ms. Amanpour for "her efforts to promote free, independent and pluralistic media, having the right to work free from the threat of violence, and contributing through this to peace, sustainability, poverty eradication and human rights."
"In the most challenging situations, addressing the most demanding interlocutors" said the Director-General, "integrity and courage have always guided you, with the conviction that freedom of expression, media freedoms are essential for stronger societies, for healthier democracies, for peace and reconciliation as well as sustainable development "we need to defend these principles more than ever today, at a time when they are challenged across the world."
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Amanpour stressed the important role of journalists as "pillars of reform, freedom and democracy" whose task is to "strengthen civil society."
"We"re here to make the world a better place" she said. She also made an impassioned plea for the release of all imprisoned journalists, wherever they may be, and condemned the increasing number of attacks and assassinations of media professionals.
Ms. Amanpour has won every major television journalism award, including 11 News and Documentary Emmy Awards, four Peabody Awards, two George Polk Awards, three duPont-Columbia Awards and the Courage in Journalism Award.
She has also received nine honorary degrees, has been named a Commander in the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) and was this year inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame. She is a member of the board of directors of the Committee to Protect Journalists, one of UNESCO"s partners in its work for freedom of expression and journalists" safety.
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors are a group of personalities who use their talent and status to help shine a light on the work of the Organization in education, science, culture and communication.
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The United Nations Messengers of Peace
Friday, April 24, 2015
The United Nations Messengers of Peace are the most highly recognized of the United Nations Goodwill Ambassadors. Currently the United Nations has over 450 goodwill ambassadors, the Messengers of Peace are among them.
The messengers are initially chosen for a period of three years, although three of the current 13 messengers, Michael Douglas, Elie Wiesel and Jane Goodall have served for more than ten years.
The Messengers of Peace scheme was instigated in 1998 as a central addition to the system of UN goodwill ambassadors and honorary ambassadors, which has been run by the different UN agencies since 1954, when UNICEF appointed Danny Kaye as its first goodwill ambassador.
Whilst the goodwill and honorary ambassadors mainly promote the work of the UN agency they are ambassador for, the messengers of peace are intended to promote the work of the United Nations in general and are appointed directly by the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
The 13 United Nations Messengers of Peace are now the following: Daniel Barenboim, Paulo Coelho, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael Douglas, Jane Goodall, HRH Princess Haya, Lang Lang, Yo-Yo Ma, Midori, Edward Norton, Charlize Theron, Elie Wiesel and Stevie Wonder. Each UN Messenger of Peace has his/her own focus area as you can see below.
Daniel Barenboim: Peace and Tolerance
Daniel Barenboim (born 1942) is an Argentine pianist, conductor and music director. He gave his international debut performance as a solo pianist at age ten. Since then he has worked with orchestras all over the world. Barenboim is a polyglot, fluent in the Spanish, English, French, Italian, German, and Hebrew languages.
In 1999, he co-founded the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which brings together young musicians from Israel and the Arab countries to promote dialogue and unity of purpose between the various cultures of the Middle East. Recently, Mr. Barenboim has initiated a project for music education in the Palestinian territories, including the foundation of a music kindergarten and a Palestinian youth orchestra.
Paulo Coelho: Poverty and Intercultural Dialogue
In 1999, he co-founded the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which brings together young musicians from Israel and the Arab countries to promote dialogue and unity of purpose between the various cultures of the Middle East. Recently, Mr. Barenboim has initiated a project for music education in the Palestinian territories, including the foundation of a music kindergarten and a Palestinian youth orchestra.
Paulo Coelho: Poverty and Intercultural Dialogue
Paulo Coelho (born 1947), is a Brazilian lyricist and novelist. He is the recipient of numerous international awards. The author has sold 190 million copies worldwide and is the all-time bestselling Portuguese language author.
Through the Paulo Coelho Institute, the Rio de Janeiro native uses his global appeal to combat poverty and help underprivileged members of Brazilian society. He is also an advocate of multiculturalism through his work with UNESCO as a Special Counselor for Intercultural Dialogues and Spiritual Convergences.
Since 2009 he has been part of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s “Network of Men Leaders”, a group of influential men who work in their spheres of influence to undertake specific actions to end violence against women. The Network is part of the “UNiTE to End Violence against Women” campaign.
Through the Paulo Coelho Institute, the Rio de Janeiro native uses his global appeal to combat poverty and help underprivileged members of Brazilian society. He is also an advocate of multiculturalism through his work with UNESCO as a Special Counselor for Intercultural Dialogues and Spiritual Convergences.
Since 2009 he has been part of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s “Network of Men Leaders”, a group of influential men who work in their spheres of influence to undertake specific actions to end violence against women. The Network is part of the “UNiTE to End Violence against Women” campaign.
Leonardo DiCaprio: Climate Change
Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio (born 1974) is an American actor and film producer. He has been nominated for ten Golden Globe Awards, winning two, and five Academy Awards.
In 1998, he established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation dedicated to land, oceans and species conservation, as well as supporting efforts to mitigate climate change and bolster disaster relief. His foundation supports environmental causes through grant making, campaigning and media projects to inform and rally the public on specific issues. In addition to establishing his Foundation, Mr. DiCaprio serves on the board of several environmental protection organizations including the World Wildlife Fund and The Natural Resources Defense Council, as well as an Advisor on The Solutions Project, an organization dedicated to scaling up the adoption of clean, renewable energy.
Michael Douglas: Disarmament
In 1998, he established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation dedicated to land, oceans and species conservation, as well as supporting efforts to mitigate climate change and bolster disaster relief. His foundation supports environmental causes through grant making, campaigning and media projects to inform and rally the public on specific issues. In addition to establishing his Foundation, Mr. DiCaprio serves on the board of several environmental protection organizations including the World Wildlife Fund and The Natural Resources Defense Council, as well as an Advisor on The Solutions Project, an organization dedicated to scaling up the adoption of clean, renewable energy.
Michael Douglas: Disarmament
Michael Kirk Douglas (born 1944) is an American actor and producer, primarily in movies and television. He has won four Golden Globes, including the Cecil B. DeMille Award, two Academy Awards and an Emmy Award.
Michael Douglas is fiercely committed to disarmament issues, including nuclear non-proliferation and halting the global trade in small arms and light weapons. He focuses public awareness on the United Nations’ efforts to strengthen peace and security by speaking publicly for greater controls on the illegal possession and circulation of small arms and light weapons. Mr. Douglas hosted a documentary filmed in Sierra Leone that was part of a United Nations/Showtime ten-part series titled “What’s Going On?” that helped bring attention to the plight of child soldiers.
Jane Goodall: Conservation
Dame Jane Morris Goodall (born 1934) is an English primatologist, ethologist and anthropologist. Goodall is best known for her 55-year study of social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania. She is the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots & Shoots program. She has served on the board of the Nonhuman Rights Project since its founding in 1996.
The Jane Goodall Institute is widely recognized for creating innovative conservation and development programmes in Africa, where she began her landmark studies in 1960. Her global Roots & Shoots programme supports tens of thousands of young people in nearly 100 countries with projects that help people, animals and the environment.
HRH Princess Haya: Hunger and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
The Jane Goodall Institute is widely recognized for creating innovative conservation and development programmes in Africa, where she began her landmark studies in 1960. Her global Roots & Shoots programme supports tens of thousands of young people in nearly 100 countries with projects that help people, animals and the environment.
HRH Princess Haya: Hunger and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
Princess Haya bint Al Hussein (born 1974) is an equestrian who competed for Jordan in international show jumping competition and is the two-term President of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI). She is known as Her Royal Highness Princess Haya of Jordan (Arabic: ھيا).
Princess Haya founded Tikyet Um Ali (TUA) in her native Jordan, the first Arab NGO dedicated to overcoming local hunger. TUA provides food assistance and employment opportunities to thousands of poor families. In November 2012, TUA announced a campaign to quadruple the number of its beneficiaries in a drive to eliminate hunger in Jordan and help meet the MDGs on hunger by 2015. Princess Haya also chairs Dubai’s International Humanitarian City, now the world’s largest operational center for the delivery of aid both in emergencies and for long-term development. 10 UN agencies and 40 NGOs are members of the IHC which has supported relief efforts all over the globe including East Africa during recent droughts, in Pakistan during the 2009 floods, and in Afghanistan and Darfur. The IHC has also hosted UN and NGO staff evacuated during emergencies and civil unrest.
Lang Lang: Global Education
Princess Haya founded Tikyet Um Ali (TUA) in her native Jordan, the first Arab NGO dedicated to overcoming local hunger. TUA provides food assistance and employment opportunities to thousands of poor families. In November 2012, TUA announced a campaign to quadruple the number of its beneficiaries in a drive to eliminate hunger in Jordan and help meet the MDGs on hunger by 2015. Princess Haya also chairs Dubai’s International Humanitarian City, now the world’s largest operational center for the delivery of aid both in emergencies and for long-term development. 10 UN agencies and 40 NGOs are members of the IHC which has supported relief efforts all over the globe including East Africa during recent droughts, in Pakistan during the 2009 floods, and in Afghanistan and Darfur. The IHC has also hosted UN and NGO staff evacuated during emergencies and civil unrest.
Lang Lang: Global Education
Lang Lang (born 1982) is a Chinese concert pianist who has performed with leading orchestras in Europe, the United States and his native China. Lang Lang began playing the piano at the age of three.
In October 2008, he launched the Lang Lang International Music Foundation with a mission to encourage music performance at all levels as a means of social development for youth. The Foundation operates with the conviction that music, as a universal language, can help bridge cultural gaps and unite communities.
Lang Lang has been recognized for his commitment to mobilizing support for improving the lives of children around the world, most notably as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. As a Messenger of Peace, he helps raise awareness of the Secretary-General’s Global Education First Initiative, in particular fostering global citizenship.
Yo-Yo Ma: YouthYo-Yo Ma (born 1955) is a cellist.
In October 2008, he launched the Lang Lang International Music Foundation with a mission to encourage music performance at all levels as a means of social development for youth. The Foundation operates with the conviction that music, as a universal language, can help bridge cultural gaps and unite communities.
Lang Lang has been recognized for his commitment to mobilizing support for improving the lives of children around the world, most notably as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. As a Messenger of Peace, he helps raise awareness of the Secretary-General’s Global Education First Initiative, in particular fostering global citizenship.
Yo-Yo Ma: YouthYo-Yo Ma (born 1955) is a cellist.
A child prodigy, he was performing from the age of five. He has enjoyed a prolific career as both a soloist performing with orchestras around the world and a recording artist. Born in Paris to Chinese parents and educated in the United States, Mr. Ma is the recipient of countless honours and awards.
Believing that music can act as a magnet to draw people together, he created the Silk Road Project in 1998 to promote the study of cultural, artistic and intellectual traditions along the ancient Silk Road trade route, which sweeps through cultures from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. In 2007, he contributed music for a DVD produced in support of the Stop TB Partnership Campaign with the World Health Organization.
Midori: Youth and the Millennium Development Goals
Believing that music can act as a magnet to draw people together, he created the Silk Road Project in 1998 to promote the study of cultural, artistic and intellectual traditions along the ancient Silk Road trade route, which sweeps through cultures from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. In 2007, he contributed music for a DVD produced in support of the Stop TB Partnership Campaign with the World Health Organization.
Midori: Youth and the Millennium Development Goals
Midori Gotō ((born 1971), usually referred to simply as Midori, is a Japanese born American violinist. She made her debut at the age of 11, when conductor Zubin Mehta added her to the program of the New York Philharmonic's New Year's Eve Gala in 1982.
Midori has established a record of achievement which sets her apart as a master musician, an innovator, and a champion of the developmental potential of children. In 1992, Midori founded Midori & Friends, a non-profit organization that brings music education programmes to thousands of underprivileged children each year. Two other organizations, Music Sharing (based in Japan) and Partners in Performance (based in the US), also bring music into the lives of people who may not otherwise have involvement with the arts.
Edward Norton: BiodiversityEdward Harrison
Midori has established a record of achievement which sets her apart as a master musician, an innovator, and a champion of the developmental potential of children. In 1992, Midori founded Midori & Friends, a non-profit organization that brings music education programmes to thousands of underprivileged children each year. Two other organizations, Music Sharing (based in Japan) and Partners in Performance (based in the US), also bring music into the lives of people who may not otherwise have involvement with the arts.
Edward Norton: BiodiversityEdward Harrison
Norton (born 1969) is an American actor, screenwriter, director, producer and activist. He has been nominated for three Academy Awards.
Mr. Norton works closely with the Secretariat of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity to help spotlight the importance of biodiversity to human well-being and to ensure world leaders take appropriate measures to protect the environment.
Mr. Norton is the President of the Board of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, a community conservation organization that partners with traditional communities in East Africa to conserve key ecosystems by developing sustainable, natural resource-based economic revenues. Mr. Norton also serves on the Board of Trustees of Enterprise, which works to move families up and out of poverty and transform low-income communities across the US through the development of decent affordable housing and social service networks.
Charlize Theron: Elimination of Violence Against Women
Mr. Norton works closely with the Secretariat of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity to help spotlight the importance of biodiversity to human well-being and to ensure world leaders take appropriate measures to protect the environment.
Mr. Norton is the President of the Board of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, a community conservation organization that partners with traditional communities in East Africa to conserve key ecosystems by developing sustainable, natural resource-based economic revenues. Mr. Norton also serves on the Board of Trustees of Enterprise, which works to move families up and out of poverty and transform low-income communities across the US through the development of decent affordable housing and social service networks.
Charlize Theron: Elimination of Violence Against Women
Charlize Theron (born 1975) is a South African/American Academy Award-winning actress, producer, and fashion model.
As a Messenger of Peace, Charlize Theron focuses on the prevention of HIV and the elimination of violence against women. She founded The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) in 2007 with the mission to help African youth keep themselves safe from HIV. The Project supports community engaged organizations that use innovative and community specific programming to work with youth, bringing critical resources like access to youth friendly healthcare, sexual and reproductive health education, life skills, and psychosocial support.
Ms. Theron also filmed a series of public service announcements in support of the Cape Town Rape Crisis Center, urging zero tolerance for rape or domestic violence. Ms. Theron travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2009 and 2011 to help raise awareness about the plight of women and girls victims of sexual violence.
Elie Wiesel: Human Rights
As a Messenger of Peace, Charlize Theron focuses on the prevention of HIV and the elimination of violence against women. She founded The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) in 2007 with the mission to help African youth keep themselves safe from HIV. The Project supports community engaged organizations that use innovative and community specific programming to work with youth, bringing critical resources like access to youth friendly healthcare, sexual and reproductive health education, life skills, and psychosocial support.
Ms. Theron also filmed a series of public service announcements in support of the Cape Town Rape Crisis Center, urging zero tolerance for rape or domestic violence. Ms. Theron travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2009 and 2011 to help raise awareness about the plight of women and girls victims of sexual violence.
Elie Wiesel: Human Rights
Eliezer "Elie" Wiesel (born September 30, 1928) is a Jewish-American professor, Holocaust survivor, Nobel Laureate, writer and human rights activist. He is the author of 57 books, including Night, a work based on his experiences as a prisoner in the Auschwitz, Buna, and Buchenwald concentration camps. Wiesel is also the Advisory Board chairman of the newspaper Algemeiner Journal.
Mr. Wiesel has lent his compassionate voice to a variety of United Nations causes, such as focusing public attention on eradicating poverty and the atrocities occurring in the Darfur region of Sudan. A U.S. citizen since 1963, he continues to be a vocal advocate of human rights and world peace through The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity which he founded with his wife, Marion Wiesel, in 1986.
Stevie Wonder: Persons with Disabilities
Mr. Wiesel has lent his compassionate voice to a variety of United Nations causes, such as focusing public attention on eradicating poverty and the atrocities occurring in the Darfur region of Sudan. A U.S. citizen since 1963, he continues to be a vocal advocate of human rights and world peace through The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity which he founded with his wife, Marion Wiesel, in 1986.
Stevie Wonder: Persons with Disabilities
Stevland Hardaway Morris (born 1950), known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist. A Grammy Award-winner, he has written, produced or performed songs for charities in support of disabilities, AIDS, cancer, diabetes, hunger and homelessness, domestic abuse and other causes on behalf of children and adults. He has been blind since shortly after birth.
He has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts by the U.S. President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, Junior Blind of America, and the creation of the Wonder Vision Awards Program.
In 1983, he spearheaded a campaign to make Martin Luther King Day a national holiday in the United States. He also advocated for the end of apartheid in South Africa.
This article is a collaborate research effort of Ambassadors Maria Veneke and Sonia B. Ceballos of Globcal International as its editors and authors. Quotes not cited elsewhere are based on Wikipedia sourced reference or the United Nations website.
Posted by David Wright at 5:29 PM
He has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts by the U.S. President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, Junior Blind of America, and the creation of the Wonder Vision Awards Program.
In 1983, he spearheaded a campaign to make Martin Luther King Day a national holiday in the United States. He also advocated for the end of apartheid in South Africa.
This article is a collaborate research effort of Ambassadors Maria Veneke and Sonia B. Ceballos of Globcal International as its editors and authors. Quotes not cited elsewhere are based on Wikipedia sourced reference or the United Nations website.
Posted by David Wright at 5:29 PM
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Wednesday, March 04, 2015
US ambassador in Seoul Mark Lippert slashed in razor attack
DateMarch 5, 2015 - 11:59AM
US ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert leaves after he was slashed in the face by an assailant at a public forum in central Seoul. Photo: Reuters
Seoul: The US ambassador to South Korea was slashed in the face by a razor-wielding assailant at a public forum in the capital early on Thursday.
Mark Lippert was attacked before he was due to give a speech at a breakfast event organised by the Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation, a non-profit organisation promoting exchanges between the two Koreas.
Mr Lippert, 42, was bleeding from a facial wound but was walking after the attack as he was taken to Kangbuk Samsung Medical Centre. His wounds were reportedly not life-threatening.
Security personnel detain the man who allegedly attacked Mark Lippert. Photo: Reuters
The attacker, identified only as Kim, was shouting slogans opposing military drills as he was taken into custody, Yonhap News reported.
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The man involved in the attack received a suspended two-year jail sentence for throwing a piece of concrete at Japan's ambassador to South Korea in 2010, Yonhap said.
This week, South Korea and the US began joint annual military drills that are opposed by North Korea and its sympathisers.
The White House said it was aware of, and tracking reports of, the attack.
Mr Lippert took up his post in Seoul last October.
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Monday, December 15, 2014
New Canadian ambassador seeks collaboration for ‘betterment of humanity’
Vatican \ Activities
Canadian Ambassador to the Holy See Dennis Savoie (Photo courtesy of the Canadian Embassy to the Holy See) - RV
15/12/2014 08:12
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received the new Canadian Ambassador to the Holy See, Dennis Savoie, on Monday. During the morning meeting, Ambassador Savoie presented the Pope with his credentials, which marked the start of the diplomat’s four-year term.
“It was a very humbling experience,” said Ambassador Savoie about his meeting with the Pope. “I felt very privileged to have been received by the Holy Father. I met a man who is very, very simple, very personable, makes you feel at ease right away. It was a very, very good meeting.”
In an interview with Vatican Radio, Ambassador Savoie said his “first priority” is to establish a network within which to identify areas for possible collaboration between Canada and the Holy See.
Listen to the interview with Ambassador Dennis Savoie:
“What I’ve already started doing in the past couple of months … is to establish a network within the area of the Holy See and government to try to, together, try to identify in what areas both countries, so to speak, could collaborate for the betterment of humanity,” he said.
The new ambassador, who fills a post that had been empty for more than a year, said he also looks forward to working with other ambassadors in Rome on issues of common concern.
“Some of them are very focused in certain areas which I’m interested in, whether it’s social justice, whether it’s immigration or religious liberties,” he said.
FIRST DIPLOMATIC POST
Ambassador Savoie was born in Tracadie, New Brunswick, one of Canada’s eastern provinces, on 9 February 1945. He and his wife of 44 years, Claudette Surette, have two children and five grandchildren.
He comes to Rome after a long and successful career in the business and nonprofit sectors, namely a 27-year career with the New Brunswick Power Corporation, where he rose to vice president, and upon retirement, four years as executive director of the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes.
A committed Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1973, he later served as the Deputy Supreme Knight in New Haven, Connecticut, in the United States, from 2006 to 2013.
This is his first diplomatic assignment.
“Diplomacy for me is a brand new area and I’m sure it’s because of my involvement with the Knights that I’m here,” he told Vatican Radio. “I hope that my experience with the Knights as a …very profoundly Catholic organization, highly ethical from a business point of view… I hope that experience, knowing how the Church functions a bit, will no doubt help me.”
THREE BENCHMARKS
The ambassador also reflected on the role of faith in his work, saying he was “very fortunate” to have grown up in a “very strong Catholic family” and to have had good mentors.
One mentor in particular, while he was still a sociology student in university, had given him “three benchmarks” by which to live his life: “Whatever you do, do it with integrity and honesty. You’re integrity is not for sale, bottom line. Always aim for excellence. In other words, do the best you can at all times. And always be concerned about the human concern.”
Ambassador Savoie said he committed to these guidelines throughout his career. “They served me well over the years,” he said. “And why people believe certain things and do differently, I don’t know. It’s hard for me to understand that part.”
The ambassador said he looks forward to his four-year term at the Vatican.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to make a small difference in whatever we do to help the world,” he said.
Ambassador Savoie arrived in Rome in early October. He succeeds Anne Leahy, who had completed her term in September 2012, but who remained an additional four months. The Canadian Ambassador to Spain, Jon Allen, had taken on the additional duties of overseeing the office in the interim.
Report and interview by Laura Ieraci
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Thursday, April 17, 2014
Australian ambassador commends Adventist contributions in health, education
Australia's Ambassador to the United States Kim Beazley had the rapt attention of nearly 20 Adventist Church leaders during a protocol lunch on April 10 during a visit to the denomination's headquarters. He spoke briefly on many aspects of Australia, drawing on knowledge from his long and varied political career. From left: John Graz, director of the Adventist Church's Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department; Ambassador Beazley; Adventist Church President Ted N. C. Wilson; and Education department director Lisa Beardsley-Hardy. [photo: Ansel Oliver]
Former deputy PM Beazley says secular country supports religion
April 15, 2014 | Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | Ansel Oliver/ANN
Australia’s ambassador to the United States visited with Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders last week at the denomination’s headquarters, affirming the South Pacific country’s commitment to religious freedom and discussing the government’s ongoing financial support for private education.
Kim Beazley, the former deputy prime minister, thanked church leaders for hosting him in his first visit since he became ambassador in 2010.
“There’s a wonderful sense of peace and purpose about this building and about the people in it. That comes, of course, with the experience everybody in this place has had at the cross and what it means in their lives,” Beazely told a group of church leaders during a protocol lunch on April 10.
Beazley spoke briefly on a variety of subjects, drawing on his knowledge of the country from his long and varied political career in the federal government. Beazley has served as Minister for Transport and Communications, Defence, Finance, and Employment.
He said Australia is a largely secular society, but its government funds private schools, including religious institutions. Beazley also said faith-based institutions are the most reliable in delivering aid at home and abroad, particularly through health and education initiatives. “Adventists are enormously present in both,” he said.
Church leaders thanked Beazley for Australia’s religious freedom and government funding of private schools.
“We want you to know that Seventh-day Adventists are very much part of helping to build the structure of society, …and we are extremely gratified that Australia provides full religious freedom,” said Adventist Church President Ted N. C. Wilson.
Australia’s federal and state governments fund private schools on an as-needed basis, anywhere from 25 percent to 100 percent or more, based on specials needs or populations they serve, Beasley said.
Education director Lisa Beardsley-Hardy said she was proud of Beazley’s father, who served as Minister for Education in the 1970s and introduced the government funding for schools.
“I wanted to publically thank you for what your father has done in making distinction between choice and conscience and allowing federal funds going to parents who wish to educate their children in private schools for reasons of conscience,” she told Beazley.
The Adventist Church in Australia has more than 58,000 members and operates nearly 50 primary and secondary schools, as well as Avondale College. The church there also operates Sanitarium Health and Wellbeing Company, which produces the national iconic breakfast cereal Weet-bix.
The Adventist Church headquarters and the International Religious Liberty Association periodically host diplomats to strengthen relationships in the promotion of religious freedom. In the last year alone, diplomats have visited from Cuba, Fiji, Romania, Switzerland and Zambia.
Source: "Adventist News Network"
Copyright © 2014, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
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Monday, November 04, 2013
Meet John Kerry, Skull and Bones Ambassador
corbettreport
Published on May 24, 2013
SHOW NOTES AND MP3: http://www.corbettreport.com/?p=7405
This week on The Corbett Report we look beyond the mainstream narrative of John Kerry and his background to find the real connections that have catapulted him into the corridors of power. From his billionaire wife to his Ivy League education to his Skull and Bones membership, we examine the real agenda of the new Secretary of State.
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