Image: CNS/GREGORY A. SHEMITZ
On Tuesday 1 December, Order leaders gathered to hear how faith-based principles can inform international diplomacy from United Nations representatives from the Order of Malta and the Holy See at the Global Fund for Forgotten People’s latest ‘Reports from the Frontline’ virtual conference.
Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York and Conventual Chaplain Grand Cross of the Order of Malta, described the role of people of faith both as frontline responders empowered by a love of God and neighbour, and as a powerful conscience for world leaders. HE Ambassador Marie-Thérèse Pictet-Althann, Permanent Observer of the Order of Malta to the United Nations in Geneva, gave insight into the growing influence of religious entities in international diplomacy and what it takes to achieve this. HE Ambassador Dr Paul Beresford-Hill CBE, Permanent Observer of the Order of Malta to the United Nations in New York, reflected on the role of the Order of Malta itself as an international influencer unprejudiced by interests of state, allowing it to speak impartially on behalf of those without a voice.