Vatican, US mark 30th anniversary of full diplomatic relations
January 24, 2014
As US diplomats celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations with the Holy See, the American ambassador spoke of “phenomenal” relations with the Holy See, but the Vatican’s top foreign-policy official sounded a more cautious note.
US ambassador Ken Hackett gave a glowing account of American relations with the Holy See in an interview with the Catholic News Agency, citing cooperation in ending Soviet Communism, promoting humanitarian aid, and working for peace. He looked forward to “more opportunity for collaboration and cooperation.”
At a reception held by the US embassy to celebrate the anniversary of bilateral ties, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Secretary for Relations with States, also underlined the importance of Vatican-US ties. However, he also made a point of emphasizing the American tradition of respect for religious freedom. The archbishop’s remarks seemed to be a pointed reminder of the Church’s concerns about the imposition of a contraceptive mandate in the federal government's health-care program.
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Further information:
- US celebrates 30 years of diplomacy with the Vatican (CNA)
- Truisms in Catholic life and a rundown of Rome news (National Catholic Reporter)
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