Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Christophe Zakhia El Kassis as the Holy See's new Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York, entrusting the Lebanese born diplomat with representing the Holy See at the world body's headquarters.
The appointment was announced on Saturday by the Holy See Press Office. Archbishop El Kassis succeeds in one of the Vatican's most important diplomatic roles, serving as the Holy See's representative to the United Nations, where he will engage with member states and international organizations on global issues such as peace, human rights, development, humanitarian concerns, religious freedom, and care for creation.
Before taking up his new assignment in New York, Archbishop El Kassis served as Apostolic Nuncio to the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. He also held the position of Apostolic Delegate to the Arabian Peninsula, where he represented the Pope and strengthened the Catholic Church's relationship with local governments and Christian communities across the region.
Archbishop El Kassis was born in Lebanon and was ordained a priest in 1994. After several years of pastoral ministry and advanced studies, he joined the Holy See's diplomatic service in 2000, beginning a career that has taken him to different parts of the world.
During his diplomatic service, he worked in the Apostolic Nunciatures in Indonesia, Sudan, and Turkey. He also served at the Vatican Secretariat of State, where he gained extensive experience in international relations and the Holy See's diplomatic work. His wide ranging experience in countries with different political, cultural, and religious backgrounds has prepared him for the responsibilities of representing the Holy See at the United Nations.
The Permanent Observer of the Holy See plays a unique role within the United Nations. Although the Holy See is not a full member state of the organization, it has Permanent Observer status, allowing it to participate actively in the work of the UN General Assembly and many other United Nations bodies. The Holy See regularly contributes to discussions on international peace and security, sustainable development, migration, humanitarian crises, family issues, and the protection of human dignity.
Through its Permanent Observer Mission, the Holy See seeks to promote dialogue, encourage peaceful solutions to conflicts, and advocate for the protection of vulnerable people around the world. It also works with governments and international organizations on issues that reflect the Catholic Church's social teaching and commitment to the common good.
Archbishop El Kassis now takes on this important responsibility at a time when the international community continues to face challenges including armed conflicts, humanitarian emergencies, climate concerns, and growing social inequalities. His diplomatic experience and long service to the Holy See are expected to support the Vatican's efforts to contribute to international dialogue and cooperation.
With his appointment, Pope Leo XIV has once again turned to an experienced Vatican diplomat to represent the Holy See on the global stage. Archbishop El Kassis will now serve as the Vatican's principal representative at the United Nations headquarters in New York, continuing the Holy See's longstanding mission of promoting peace, justice, dialogue, and respect for human dignity among nations.