AUSTRALIA’S new resident ambassador to the Holy See Chiara Porro says she hopes to be a voice for the Pacific region in Rome.
“The Pacific is our neighbourhood, our family, and Australia is leading efforts to address our region’s key challenges, including on health security and climate change,” Ms Porro said in a message on the website of the Australian Embassy to the Holy See, shortly before presenting her credentials to Pope Francis on August 27.
“Our Church Partnerships Program recognises the central role the Church plays in the Pacific (where over 90 per cent of the population identifies as Christian), and supports their capacity to contribute to regional development and community resilience.”
As the only resident Ambassador from the Pacific, Ms Porro has a solid grounding to pursue a strong regional agenda.
She worked within the Department of Foreign Affairs for most of the past dozen years, including in overseas postings in India and New Caledonia.
Ms Porro has also served in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
She 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.
“The Government’s decision to appoint another residential ambassador is welcome and will help consolidate the Australian presence in the offices of the Holy See and in Rome more generally,” Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge said.
“Ambassador Porro will bring to the role substantial experience as a career diplomat and also 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’s appointment comes at a turbulent time, with the world still reeling from a devastating pandemic.
“Now, more than ever, supporting those in need is of critical importance, a key priority that Australia and the Holy See share,” she wrote on the website.
“Australia has already taken a number of steps, including pivoting our development assistance through our new Partnerships for Recovery.
“Reinforcing global institutions will also be key, including to advance Australia and the Holy See’s broader shared agenda on human rights, conflict resolution and peace building.
Ms Porro noted several 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 said.
“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.”
