New US Ambassador Arrives in Rome

ROME, AUG. 27, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The new ambassador-designate of the United States to the Holy See arrived in Rome today, to await a meeting with Benedict XVI where he will be confirmed in his post.

A press release from the U.S. public affairs office reported that Miguel Humberto Díaz arrived this morning to Rome's Fiumicino International Airport along with his family.

The ambassador-designate stated: "I look forward to the coming weeks as my family and I put down new roots in Rome.

"I will be honored to serve President [Barack] Obama and the American people in my new role, and it will be a unique honor to meet his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI."

He was sworn in as ambassador in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 21, and will take up his position after presenting his letter of credentials to the Pope.

Until this Papal audience, the communiqué reported, the ambassador-designate will refrain from participation in official events.

Díaz expressed appreciation for the opportunity to "deepen and expand upon the special relationship that has evolved between the United States and the Vatican over the past 25 years of formal diplomatic ties."