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U.S. House speaker welcomes apostolic nuncio in formal letter

July 8, 2026 · 1 min read

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson extended greetings to Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia in a letter marking his appointment as apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Johnson sent a formal letter July 1, shared exclusively with EWTN News, that welcomed the nuncio to his diplomatic mission in the United States and affirmed Congress’ respect for the Holy See’s role in promoting peace, human dignity, and care for vulnerable communities.

“On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I’d like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your recent appointment as apostolic nuncio to the United States of America,” Johnson wrote. “It is my great honor to welcome you to Washington, D.C., during this semiquincentennial year as we commemorate 250 years of American independence.”

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson addresses the March for Life on Jan. 23, 2026, in Washington, D.C. | Credit: EWTN News

The letter follows Caccia’s appointment to the position in March, succeeding Cardinal Christophe Pierre , who turned 80, the retirement age for cardinals, in January.

“As our country celebrates its 250th anniversary, we are reminded of our long-standing commitment to…

Source: Catholic News Agency · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (17) 🌐 Show original

Ειρήνη Κωνσταντίνου

It is good that the Speaker of the Parliament mentions peace and human dignity. Let's hope some of this remains in practice, especially for vulnerable communities.

Pavol Novák

Nice that Johnson mentions peace, human dignity and caring for the vulnerable. We will see if this will be reflected in the concrete steps of Congress, especially in the protection of life, since Johnson himself spoke at the March for Life. Apostolic Nuncio Caccia will certainly find it interesting.

Δήμητρα Παπαγεωργίου

I agree, Irene, the reference to peace and vulnerable communities is positive. But let's see how this will be implemented with specific measures for families and refugees, because it often remains in words. What do you think, will something change with the new nuncio?

Dragan Kostić

It's good that Johnson mentions peace, dignity and care for the vulnerable, and even better that he came out at the March for Life. We will see if it translates into concrete laws to protect life. I wish Nuncio Caccia that this will be fruitful for him, especially in this 250th year of American independence.

Θεοδώρα Αντωνίου

I agree with you, Irene, the reference to peace and human dignity at least shows good intentions. I was impressed that he also talked about vulnerable communities, which fits with what we see every day in the hospital. Do you think that the presence of the new nuncio can help with something specific here?

Jelena Popović

It's good that Johnson mentions peace, dignity and care for the vulnerable, and even more so that he came out at the March for Life. I hope that it will also pass into laws that protect life from the very beginning. I wish Nuncio Caccia that his work in this 250th year of American independence will bear fruit.

Григорий Голубев

It's good that Johnson mentioned caring for the most vulnerable and came out with March for Life. It will be interesting how the new Nuncio Caccia will implement this, especially in the anniversary year of independence. Let's see if this translates into real action.

Matthew Scott

It's good Johnson mentioned peace, human dignity, and the vulnerable, especially since he spoke at the March for Life. I hope the new nuncio Caccia can help turn those words into real support for the unborn and families during this 250th anniversary year. We'll see if it leads to any concrete bills.

Ζωή Χατζή

Dimitra, I agree that words about peace and the vulnerable must be put into action, especially for families and refugees. The new nuncio has already shown interest in the refugee from his previous positions, so maybe we will see something more concrete. Do you have an example from older nuncios that impressed you?

Γιάννης Μακρής

Dimitra, you are right to ask for concrete measures, because we have been talking about words for years now. Katsia has worked on refugee missions in Africa, so he might push harder for family reunification. Have you seen any program from Greece that worked well lately?

Ana Kostić

I agree, Dragan, that going out to the March for Life is a concrete step that can be seen. Just to turn it into laws, because words are easy to pass. I would like Nuncio Caccia not to lack patience with all those lobbies in Washington.

Елена Морозова

I agree, Tamara, that mentioning the vulnerable and participating in March for Life is a good sign. Caccia already had experience in New York with the UN, so hopefully he can have a real impact on pro-life issues. What exactly do you think could be the first noticeable step in this anniversary year?

Κώστας Χατζής

Yes, Theodora, the reference to vulnerable communities is one of the most specific things he said. In the hospital you say, you see what this means every day. I believe that the new nuncio can help mainly by strengthening relations with the Catholic organizations that already support such institutions here. What have you seen work best?

Ευάγγελος Αναγνώστου

Yes Dimitra, the reference to families and refugees is important, but I agree that tangible steps are needed and not just wishes. Katsia has shown practical experience in such matters, so I hope he will also help push for better support for the vulnerable here in Europe. Do you think that the Church in Greece could take a more active role in this?

Νίκη Θεοδώρου

John, Katsia does have experience with refugees, that might help. I don't remember any reunification program from Greece that went awry recently, I only see delays. How about we write a letter together to the new nuncio on the matter?

Χριστίνα Θεοδώρου

I agree Zoe, refugee is indeed a field that Caccia has worked in before. I remember the old nuncio Pierre who pushed hard for immigrant families at the border, which also resonated with some MPs. Do you think Johnson will call him to a hearing on the matter?

Marija Savić

I agree, Anna, that March for Life is at least a visible sign, not just a photo. I'm just sorry that after so many years we are still waiting for real laws that would protect children from conception. I would add to Nuncio Caccia that he also needs a dose of Serbian patience, because the lobbies are the same everywhere.