Courtesy L’Osservatoro Romano
The Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, Chiara Porro, has concluded her four-and-a-half-year tenure, leaving a legacy of diplomacy marked by warmth, collaboration, and a commitment to shared global challenges.
A farewell reception was last week Wednesday 13 November held in her honour at the historic Casa dei Cavalieri di Rodi in Rome.
The venue, with its commanding view of the ruins of the Forum of Augustus, set the stage for tributes to Ambassador Porro’s service as the Pacific region’s only resident envoy to the Vatican.
Reflecting on her term, Ms Porro described her role in the Eternal City as a “great privilege,” highlighting her efforts to address critical global issues such as climate change, women’s empowerment, and equality.
In 2023, she led initiatives celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and the Holy See, encompassing a wide spectrum of activities from education and healthcare to culture and sport.
“Partnership and collaboration are not things we should take for granted,” she remarked, urging the need to cultivate dialogue and understanding.
A standout moment of her ambassadorship was facilitating a meeting between Aboriginal elder Dr Miriam Rose Ungunmerr-Bauman and Pope Francis, underscoring Australia’s dedication to amplifying First Nations voices on the global stage.
Ms Porro emphasised Australia’s identity as a multicultural nation, drawing strength from its diversity—a reflection of the Holy See’s own multifaceted nature.
Vatican Tribute to Australian Diplomacy
Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, delivered a heartfelt address during the event, commending Ms Porro for her tireless service.
A former Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, Archbishop Gallagher shared his admiration for the “friendly and down-to-earth approach” of Australians, describing it as a quality the world desperately needs.
“Imagine how different the world might be if each person saw in the other a friend rather than an enemy,” he reflected.
Archbishop Gallagher praised the collaborative relationship between Australia and the Holy See, highlighting shared efforts to promote the common good and uphold human dignity—values Ms Porro championed throughout her term.
As Ms Porro bids farewell to her post, her leadership and dedication will be remembered as a vital bridge between Australia and the Vatican, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration on global issues.