This week I shall be hosting the regular visit of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Holy See, representatives of a large group of British parliamentarians – from both Houses of Parliament – keen to help strengthen and develop the relationship between the UK and the Holy See.
It is always a fascinating visit. The group brings perspectives from across the political spectrum, and reflects the plurality and complexity of debates in Parliament on the wide range of global issues of interest to the global Holy See network.
This year, the group will meet senior Holy See officials including Cardinal Pell, the Secretary for the Economy spearheading financial reform at the Vatican, and Cardinal Baldisseri, the Secretary of the recently concluded Synod on the Family that generated headlines across the world. They will meet the Holy See Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Mamberti, to discuss international affairs, from Ukraine to Iraq, Africa to Latin America. They will receive briefings from crucial networks involved in humanitarian and conflict prevention work, including Sant’Egidio, Global Freedom Network, and the Jesuit Refugee Service. And they will also meet a cross-section of British and other people working here at the Vatican, from Rectors and students of Colleges to staff at Vatican Radio, as well as attend the Pope’s weekly General Audience.
Are such visits useful? For the embassy, undoubtedly, not only illustrating the range of our engagement with the Holy See, but reinforcing to our hosts the intense interest in Parliament in priority issues of mutual concern, from international development to freedom of religion. For the parliamentarians, because they get the chance to meet and talk at first hand with Holy See network decision-makers. And, I hope, also for our hosts, who get a feel for the views of Parliament, and can raise with MPs and peers issues of importance to them. I see it as a three way dialogue, improving our mutual understanding.
You are very welcome to follow the visit as it unfolds. Just visit our Twitter account @UKinHolySee