Archbishop Gabriele Caccia Appointed Apostolic Nuncio to the United States

Archbishop Gabriele Caccia has been appointed by Pope Leo as the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, with the appointment effective on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Prior to this significant role, Archbishop Caccia served as the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York since 2019.

He will succeed Cardinal Christophe Pierre, whose resignation was accepted by Pope Leo after he reached the canonical age limit of 80 on January 30.

Archbishop Caccia's Statement

Archbishop Caccia expressed that he was "honored and deeply humbled" by the appointment to the nation and church where Pope Leo was born and raised.

He described the new role as a "mission at the service of communion and peace," noting its commencement coincides with the United States' 250th anniversary of its founding.

During his tenure at the United Nations, Archbishop Caccia also mentioned feeling "encouraged by the warmth and openness" he received from the U.S. Church, its people, and institutions.

Biographical Background

Born in Milan on February 24, 1958, Archbishop Caccia was ordained a priest in 1983.

He joined the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See in 1991, with his first international assignment in Tanzania. His distinguished career includes serving in the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State and as Assessor for General Affairs.

His previous high-profile appointments include:

• Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon in 2009, appointed by Pope Benedict XVI.
• Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines in 2017, appointed by Pope Francis.
• Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in 2019.