For the first time, the Vatican's top foreign-policy official will take an active part in debates when the UN's General Assembly meets for its 59th session in New York, from September 21 to October 1.
On July 1, the
General Assembly unanimously approved a resolution recognizing the right of the
Holy see to play a more active role in that body.
For 40 years, the Holy See has had the status of a "permanent
observer" at the UN, but the newly expanded status will enable Vatican
representatives to speak at the General Assembly, and to propose documents for
discussion.
The major remaining distinction between the Vatican's role and that of regular UN member-states is that the Holy See still will not have a vote in final decisions of the General Assembly. The Vatican also will not be expected to make a financial contribution to the international body. Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States (in effect, the foreign minister), will address the General Assembly when the the 59th session opens in New York. With his audience expected to include several heads of state, the archbishop will speak on several topics that rank high on the Vatican foreign-policy agenda, including the new status of the Vatican at the UN, the situation in Iraq and in the Middle East generally, and the peace process in the Holy Land-- where the Vatican still calls for UN involvement to secure the status of Jerusalem.
Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Vatican Secretary of State, will also travel to New York on September 20 to meet with other government leaders who will be in the city for the opening of the General Assembly. While in New York, Cardinal Sodano will also participate in the public announcement of an international anti-poverty campaign headed by Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.