Vatican: Pope Leo XIV has appointed Monsignor Jain Mendez, a Keralite priest from the Archdiocese of Verapoly, as the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This appointment, announced on September 1, 2025, highlights the Vatican’s commitment to global engagement and underscores the increasing involvement of Indian clergy in the Church’s diplomatic missions.

Monsignor Mendez was ordained as a priest on January 29, 1992, by Cornelius Elanjickal, the then Metropolitan Archbishop of the Verapoly Archdiocese. Over the years, he has served in various diplomatic capacities at apostolic nunciatures across the globe, including Uganda, Panama, Uruguay, the Philippines, Guatemala, Senegal, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Germany, and most recently, the Dominican Republic. Prior to this appointment, he held the position of Nunciature Counsellor at the Pontifical Representation in the Dominican Republic.

In his new capacity, Monsignor Mendez will represent the Holy See at all international meetings and conferences of the UNWTO. While the office is based in Madrid, Spain, he will continue to serve the Church from there.

The appointment of a Keralite priest to such a prominent diplomatic role reflects the Vatican’s recognition of India’s growing influence in global affairs and the significant contributions of Indian clergy to the Catholic Church worldwide. Monsignor Mendez’s extensive diplomatic experience positions him to foster dialogue and cooperation between the Holy See and international organizations, particularly in areas related to tourism, cultural exchange, and global development.

For the Indian Catholic community, this appointment is a source of pride and a testament to their rising prominence within the Church’s global framework. As international challenges continue to evolve, leaders like Monsignor Mendez highlight the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping the Church’s diplomatic and humanitarian efforts.