Ambassador Nigel Baker today (9 Sept) presented his Letters of Credence to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, following his appointment as Her Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See.
In his speech to the Pope, the Ambassador focussed on the importance of values in foreign policy, and touched upon “three broad themes that encompass the reasons for our [UK-Holy See] close and continuing relationship today, and in the coming years”: tackling existential threats such as climate change and arms proliferation; promoting dialogue and working together to support freedom of religion, freedom of expression and freedom from violence; and fighting poverty and disease.
Recalling Pope Benedict’s own speech at Westminster Hall in September 2010, when he highlighted “the many core values that we share”, Ambassador Baker said: “it will be my privilege to play a role in building on the platform of our excellent current relations to develop and deepen our bilateral and global relationship in the years ahead”.
Vatican Radio: Pope receives new British ambassador to Holy See
