By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted March 9, 2026

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez issued a statement March 9 expressing joy at the appointment of Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia as the new Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, while offering gratitude for the service of Cardinal Christophe Pierre following his retirement.

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“I was filled with great joy today to learn that Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia as the new Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. He succeeds Cardinal Christophe Pierre following his retirement at age 80.

His Eminence has served as the personal representative of the Holy Father in our country for almost 10 years. In this time, I have come to know Cardinal Pierre well. I cherish our friendship, his wise counsel, and his goodness to not only the Church in the United States, but also the Catholic Church of Philadelphia.

He has served the Church faithfully in the diplomatic corps of the Holy See for almost 50 years. As Apostolic Nuncio in the United States since 2016, he represented Pope Francis at numerous events including the dedication of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary’s new campus in Ambler. After the election of Pope Leo XIV last year, Cardinal Pierre was instrumental in organizing the unprecedented digital encounter of the Holy Father with thousands of young people at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis last November.

The Cardinal’s keen intellect, ready wit, and genuine piety will long be remembered by me and undoubtedly all the bishops of the United States with prayerful gratitude as he enjoys his well-earned and fruitful retirement.

On behalf of the entire Catholic Church of Philadelphia, I extend a warm welcome to Archbishop Caccia and pledge prayerful support for him as he carries out his responsibilities across the United States. As he concludes his service as the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, I look forward to working with him in his new role and welcoming him to Philadelphia.

May the Holy Spirit guide Archbishop Caccia and strengthen him in service to the people of God in the United States.”

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia