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Pope Leo XIV, the Catholic Church’s first American pope, on Saturday appointed Archbishop Gabriele Caccia as the new Vatican ambassador to the United States.
Caccia, 68, previously served as the Holy See’s envoy to the United Nations in New York City and will now take up the position of apostolic nuncio in Washington, D.C., the Vatican said.
He replaces Christophe Pierre, who is stepping down from the position at the age of 80.
The appointment comes at a time of strained relations between the Vatican and the administration of Donald Trump, particularly over the United States’ conflict with Iran and its strict immigration policies.
Leo XIV has reportedly adopted a cautious approach to Washington’s policies, offering criticism in a measured, indirect manner while maintaining diplomatic communication.
Since becoming pope in May, the Chicago-born pontiff has spoken out against the inhumane treatment of migrants, called for dialogue with Venezuela, and warned against the growing reliance on “diplomacy of force.”
He has also appealed to all parties involved in the Middle East conflict, triggered by joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran, to take responsibility for halting the escalating violence before it deepens further.
