2013-10-21 11:35:40

Pope Francis receives new U.S. Ambassador to Holy See, Ken Hackett


(Vatican Radio) In the Vatican on Monday, Pope Francis received the United States’ new Ambassador to the Holy See, Ken Francis Hackett who presented his letters of credential to the Holy Father. Ambassador Hackett is the former president of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) from which he retired in 2011.
Ambassador Hackett attended Boston College, graduating in 1968. He then joined the Peace Corps, and served in Ghana. Later, he joined CRS, serving in Africa and Asia. From 1994 to 2012, he served as a member of the Pontifical Council for charitable works, Cor Unum.
He was nominated U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See by President Barack Obama in June 2013. The nomination was confirmed by the Senate on August 1, 2013.
Below, please find the text of a statement from the US Embassy to the Holy See.
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U.S. EMBASSY TO THE HOLY SEE
Public Affairs Section
For Immediate Release October 21, 2013

U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Presents His Credentials to the Pope

Today, Ambassador Kenneth F. Hackett presented his credentials to Pope Francis and officially took over as the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. In the presence of family, friends, and embassy staff, Ambassador Hackett greeted the Pope and expressed his excitement at taking on this new role.

Ambassador Hackett was previously the President/CEO of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) for 18 years, and spent a total of 40 years with the organization. He emphasized, “President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry have both highlighted the need to engage with religious leaders and the faith community in the policy process to address critical global issues. The Vatican and the Holy Father have the ability to influence world events in a positive way through the calling of faith and they will continue to be important partners in future collaboration. In my time at CRS, I had the personal joy of being involved in efforts to alleviate some of the conditions Pope Francis talks about – poverty, refugees, migration – and I believe there is much we can continue to do together to work further towards promoting human dignity.”

The Ambassador also launched his blog today, where he will share his experiences and thoughts on his time in Rome at the U.S. Embassy. You can follow him at: http://blogs.usembassy.gov/hackett/ and at the Embassy’s social media sites below. You can also read his full bio at: http://vatican.usembassy.gov/ambassador.html.


The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See warmly welcomes Ambassador Hackett and looks forward to continued partnership with the Holy See.









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