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

“In a spirit of goodwill, I pray that your service and mission as apostolic nuncio will continue to foster a deep friendship between the United States and the Holy See,” Speaker Mike Johnson wrote.

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.”

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 the principles of human dignity and religious liberty, enshrined most famously in the Declaration of Independence,” Johnson said. “These ideals were shared and practiced by Archbishop John Carroll, our nation’s first Catholic bishop.”

Johnson cited Carroll’s commitment to integrating faith into American civil life, stating that he believed the bishop “would be proud to know that today, nearly 150 members of Congress and six of our nine justices on the U.S. Supreme Court are Catholic.”

“In a spirit of goodwill, I pray that your service and mission as apostolic nuncio will continue to foster a deep friendship between the United States and the Holy See,” he said, adding: “Please accept my warmest welcome and congratulations.”