(ZENIT News / Vatican City-Washinton, 07.19.2023).- On July 17-19, His Eminence Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Holy Father’s envoy, visited Washington accompanied by an Official from the Secretariat of State. The purpose of his visit was to continue the mission entrusted to him by Pope Francis and, in this context, to meet with the President of the United States, Joe Biden.
Upon his arrival on the evening of July 17 at the Apostolic Nunciature, His Eminence had a meeting with Monsignor Timothy Broglio, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. During the meeting, they exchanged reflections on the war in Ukraine and the initiatives of the Holy See in support of the victims and peace.
The following morning, at the Rayburn House Office Building, the Vatican Delegation, comprising the Apostolic Nuncio, Monsignor Christophe Pierre, and Monsignor Séamus Patrick Horgan, Counselor of the Apostolic Nunciature, met with some members of the United States Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission). During the meeting, they presented the nature and progress of the mission entrusted to them by the Pope, and together they reflected on ways to make it more effective.
In the afternoon of the same day, the Pontifical Envoy and other members of the Delegation visited the White House, where they were received by President Joe Biden. Cardinal Zuppi handed a letter from the Holy Father to President Biden, emphasizing the Pope’s sorrow for the suffering caused by the war. The meeting, which began shortly after 5:00 PM and lasted over an hour, took place in a climate of great cordiality and mutual listening. During the conversation, full readiness to support humanitarian initiatives, especially for children and the most vulnerable people, was assured to respond to the urgency and promote paths to peace.
On the morning of July 19, the Vatican Delegation participated in the Senate Prayer Breakfast at the headquarters of the United States Congress. During the event, Cardinal Zuppi had the opportunity to inform the participants about the meetings held during various stages of his peace mission. Appreciation was expressed for the efforts of the Holy See, and the responsibility of each individual in working for peace was emphasized.
