The United States Embassy to the Holy See Holds Annual Independence Day Celebration Honoring the 1st U.S. Pope - Leo XIV - PHOTOS
The United States Embassy to the Holy See held their annual Independence Day celebration, on June 30. It commemorated the 249th anniversary of the United States and the 41st anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Washington and the Holy See (Vatican). Also, there was a particular note at the celebration for the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. born pontiff. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican secretary for relations with states, attended the celebration and gave a speech.
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican Secretary for Relations of States, is in the photo with Laura Hochla, the current chargé d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See, at Villa Richardson on June 30, 2025, in Rome.
Diplomatic connections with the Holy See began in 1848 to 1867, but without an acting ambassador.
Diplomatic relations were paused in 1867 when Congress passed a ban on funding connections with the Holy See.
In 1984 President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II established full diplomatic relations.
Diplomatic relations were paused in 1867 when Congress passed a ban on funding connections with the Holy See.
In 1984 President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II established full diplomatic relations.
STATEMENT by the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See on Independence Day
Happy Independence Day! The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See celebrated with our friends and partners from the Vatican at Villa Richardson this week. Chargée d’Affaires Laura Hochla expressed her gratitude for the enduring relationship between our two nations in her remarks, “Though our formal diplomatic relations began just over 40 years ago, our longstanding relationship with the Holy See is rooted in a shared commitment to peace and to the dignity of every human life. These are goals we pursue together, inspired by the moral leadership and compassion of Pope Francis, whose legacy continues to guide us.
This 4th of July, we also celebrate a new chapter: the historic election of the first Pope born and raised in the United States. We are thrilled to witness the beginning of Pope Leo’s pontificate and stand ready to support him as he embarks on this remarkable journey of global spiritual leadership.”
This 4th of July, we also celebrate a new chapter: the historic election of the first Pope born and raised in the United States. We are thrilled to witness the beginning of Pope Leo’s pontificate and stand ready to support him as he embarks on this remarkable journey of global spiritual leadership.”
Images from the US Embassy to the Holy See from FB
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