The Catholic Union welcomed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Chris Trott, to Parliament on Monday 10 July.
Former Catholic Union President, Lord Brennan, welcomed the Ambassador, for his first visit to Parliament since taking up the post in September 2021.
The Ambassador visited Parliament to address the All Party Parliament Group (APPG) on the Holy See, a cross party group of MPs and peers who take an interest in relations between the UK and the Vatican.
During the well-attended meeting, the Ambassador reflected on the international impact of the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation of King Charles, which was a powerful reminder to the Holy See of the Christian origins and traditions of the United Kingdom.
He focused on the areas where the UK and Holy See were able to work together including on tackling sexual violence in conflict, and interreligious dialogue and “inclusive citizenship” in the Middle East. He also mentioned that his new Residence was within Vatican territory and close to the Embassy which demonstrates the UK’s commitment to our bilateral relationship.
The Ambassador remarked: “I was very pleased to have this opportunity to meet parliamentarians from both Houses and to discuss with them the current UK relationship with the Holy See. I look forward to meeting them again on their next visit to Rome.”
The Catholic Union helped to arrange the meeting, which was convened by the Chair of the APPG, Alexander Stafford MP. Former FCO lawyer and Catholic Union Director, Nigel Parker, also attended the meeting in Parliament’s Portcullis House, along with staff from the Bishops’ Conference.
Nigel Parker comments: “This was a useful meeting and parliamentarians clearly enjoyed discussing current developments in Rome and the UK’s important relationship with the Holy See. Catholic Union members and supporters will have the opportunity to hear from the Ambassador at our webinar on Thursday 13 July at 6.30pm. All are welcome to register on Eventbrite: