In a rather unusual ceremony, Pope Francis received the credentials of 10 new ambassadors accredited to the Holy See.
One by one, the diplomatic representatives of Jordan, Kazakhstan, Zambia, Mauritania, Uzbekistan, Madagascar, Estonia, Rwanda, Denmark and India presented their accreditation as ambassadors to the Holy See.
The representative of Mauritania showed a bit of his country at the Apostolic Palace, wearing an elegant Mauritanian daraa, an outfit used in the desert.
Pope Francis reminded them that their mission begins in a very challenging moment for the human family.
POPE FRANCIS
“The economic crises are causing hunger and mass migrations, while climate change is raising the risk of natural disasters, famine and drought. Now the pandemic is exacerbating inequalities already present in our societies.”
Pope Francis invited them to promote a “culture of encounter,” and he reminded them of the Holy See's role in the international community.
POPE FRANCIS
“The presence of the Holy See in the international community is at the service of the common good of the world, calling attention to the anthropological, ethical and religious aspects of the different matters affecting the lives of individuals, peoples and nations.”
He said our globalized world is in urgent need of “sincere and respectful dialogue and cooperation, capable of uniting us to face the serious threats that cover our planet” and threaten the future.
Daniel Díaz Vizzi
Translation: CT