Caccia has served as the Holy See’s permanent observer at the United Nations in New York since 2019. The Italian diplomat previously served as nuncio, the pope’s diplomatic representative, to Lebanon and the Philippines.

The Holy See Press Office announced the appointment on March 7.

The French-born Pierre served as apostolic nuncio to the U.S. for nearly 10 years — spanning three U.S. presidential terms and two pontificates.

The role includes assisting with the selection of bishops and representing the Vatican at political and Church events.

In an interview with “EWTN News In-Depth” anchor Catherine Hadro ahead of his 80th birthday on Jan. 30, Pierre described his decade as the papal representative to the U.S. as “very beautiful” and “difficult” years.

Pope Francis appointed Pierre apostolic nuncio in April 2016 following a nine-year term as nuncio in Mexico. He was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023.

Pierre’s retirement marks the end of an ecclesiastical diplomatic career that began in 1977 with his first role in New Zealand and included stints in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Brazil, and the United Nations in Geneva.

In 1995, Pope John Paul II named him apostolic nuncio in Haiti, and four years he was named the nuncio in Uganda.

Additional information:

An apostolic nuncio is an ambassador between the Vatican and a foreign country. The nuncio is tasked with representing the Church's interests in that foreign country and to strengthen those relations between the country and the Vatican. 

Canon Law breaks down the role of an apostolic nuncio into eight descriptions (Canon 364). These are condensed and clarified for understanding:

1. Inform the pope and those directly under his authority about the conditions of the churches in the United States as well as the matters that affect the life of the Church and the good of the souls in it.
2. Assist bishops of the United States through action and advice.
3. Foster relations with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and offer assistance.
4. Send or propose names of candidates to the Vatican for the appointment of bishops as well as prepare the informative process about those who may be promoted to bishop.
5. Promote whatever may contribute to peace, progress and the united efforts of peoples.
6. Work with the bishops of the United States to foster appropriate exchanges between the Catholic Church and other Churches or ecclesial communities as well as non-christian religions.
7. Work with the bishops of the United States to safeguard things which relate to the mission of the Church and of the Vatican.
8. Exercise the faculties of this role and carry out the other instructions which are given to him by the pope and those directly under his authority.