Australia’s bishops have welcomed the appointment of a new residential Ambassador to the Holy See, with Chiara Porro presenting her credentials to Pope Francis on Thursday 27 August.
Ms Porro has worked within the Department of Foreign Affairs for most of the past dozen years, including in overseas postings in India and New Caledonia. She has also served in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Ms Porro becomes the fourth Rome-based Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, following former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer, prominent Sydney barrister John McCarthy QC, and career diplomat Melissa Hitchman.
Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, says the Government’s decision to appoint another residential ambassador is welcome.
“[The appointment] will help consolidate the Australian presence in the offices of the Holy See and in Rome more generally,” Archbishop Coleridge stated.
“Ambassador Porro will bring to the role substantial experience as a career diplomat and an intimate knowledge of Italian culture and language, which will serve her well.
“The Australian bishops look forward to meeting the new ambassador and working closely with her on matters of mutual concern.”
Ms Porro, in a message on the website of the Australian Embassy to the Holy See, has already noted a couple of important milestones that will take place during her time in Rome.
“During my mandate, we will be celebrating 50 years of Australia-Holy See diplomatic relations – an important milestone, built on the very strong and robust people to people links we share,” she wrote.
“This year we will also celebrate the 10th anniversary of the canonisation of Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first canonised saint and a remarkable woman who encapsulates the true spirit of Australia.”
Ms Porro wrote that her mission to the Holy See is “to represent modern Australia – our vibrant democracy, indigenous heritage, and multicultural society”, noting that 30 per cent of Australians are born overseas.
“I will be doing so as a young woman from a culturally and linguistically diverse background – I was born in Italy, moved with my family to Australia at the age of 3, and spent time living in Indonesia growing up,” she added.
“I hope to draw on my experiences to shape the image of Australia and advance our shared priorities with the Holy See.”
Ms Porro has already met several fellow ambassadors to the Holy See, including those from the United States of America and Great Britain. She has also held meetings with senior Vatican officials, among them Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the former Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, and now the Secretary for Relations with States.
Ms Porro – who is fluent in English, French, and Italian – will present her credentials to Pope Francis today, Thursday 27 August.