Walsh University hosted a truly extraordinary guest for its 2024 Spring Presidential Thought Leadership Series: a key figure shaping international diplomacy at the United Nations. Sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Tony Orahoske ’82, this event marked a historic first for the University, shedding light on the profound subject of Diplomacy in the Church and its far-reaching global impact.
The fireside chat featured Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York and Bishop David Bonnar of the Youngstown Diocese, who served as a moderator. It attracted an audience of around 250 community members, including representatives from the Youngstown Diocese, Walsh University faculty, staff, students, board members, alumni, and local dignitaries, all eagerly seeking enlightenment.
“We are gathered here this evening to engage with two humble shepherds and leaders within the Roman Catholic Church—one serving on the world stage and the other in our daily lives,” said Walsh University President Tim Collins in his opening remarks. “Each is a serious-minded individual who joins us tonight to share experiential knowledge as we seek to gain a deeper understanding of how the Church ‘lives out’ the apostolic commission Jesus gave in the Gospel of John 20:21: ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ Additionally, we aim to reflect on how Catholic social teachings inform the discussions and debates of the international community, challenge our thinking on the culture’s proposition that faith in one’s private life is to be detached from one’s public life, and grow in ways that will make each of us more informed citizens, better human beings, and a more grateful community.”
To provide a foundation for the discussion on diplomacy, Archbishop Caccia began by recounting his arrival on campus, during which he observed the Saint John Paul II building. Through this reflection, he evoked the memory of the late Pope and emphasized his significant role in the downfall of communism in Catholic Eastern Europe. Archbishop Caccia then highlighted the profound impact of ecclesiastical decisions on global affairs, stressing the crucial role of diplomacy within the Church.
Archbishop Caccia, born in Milano, Italy, shared poignant insights from his journey, highlighting the formative influence of his familial roots and the pivotal moment of entering the seminary at the tender age of 14. Reflecting on his vocation, he identified two things that led him to pursue his calling, “I discovered God was real... and was profoundly influenced by the local priests who spent hours in an after-school setting mentoring me. It became clear that God was present and calling me to do something good for the others.” Such personal revelations laid the groundwork for his profound commitment to service within the Church.
Prompted by insightful questions from Bishop Bonnar, Archbishop Caccia shed light on the unconventional path to diplomatic service within the Holy See. He emphasized the role of providence and personal readiness, reflecting, “None of us have decided to be a diplomat... It is the preparation that comes from your life. I considered that appointment one of the most important moments of my life.”
Addressing the role of the United Nations, Archbishop Caccia articulated the organization’s pivotal mission, echoing the principles of peace, human rights, and sustainable development. He underscored the UN’s significance as a platform for global dialogue and collaboration, emphasizing its alignment with the Catholic Church’s ethos of universal solidarity.
Highlighting opportunities for student engagement, Archbishop Caccia encouraged Walsh students to explore an internship program at the Holy See within the UN system that offers a firsthand glimpse into diplomatic affairs. He encouraged students to seize the chance to contribute to global dialogue and gain invaluable experiences in international relations.
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Caccia reflected on concrete examples of God’s kingdom manifesting through the actions of the United Nations today. He emphasized the significance of the UN as a platform where representatives from 193 countries, encompassing diverse languages, cultures, and religions, convene to engage in dialogue and collaboration. Drawing parallels to the Catholic faith, the Archbishop highlighted the universality and inclusivity inherent in both, emphasizing the unity of humanity as brothers and sisters. He expressed hope that the presence of such diverse nations at the UN serves as a beacon of optimism, symbolizing a collective commitment to the common good of all humanity.
“We have to serve our country, but for the common good and the good of everyone,” Archbishop Caccia said. “And the fact that there is a place, a platform, where this presence is constantly there, to me is a sign of hope.”
Bishop Bonnar, reflecting on the fireside chat, said, “I think the world got a lot smaller for me. Listening to the Archbishop and his experiences of being an Apostolic Nuncio and working at the United Nations, we are one big family albeit divided, fractured, splintered at times, but there is a network in place for us to work together and to solve some very common, pervasive difficult problems. I was very inspired by the hope that the Archbishop gave us at the end of his conversation, talking about the pillars that are there, and all the different efforts that they address. It gives me hope for the world.”
