Pope Francis: Reshaping the Diplomatic Role of the Vatican- Global Engagement and Leadership Program

17 Sep 2015

pittadmin

Keynote speaker: Ambassador Anne Leahy
Former Canadian Ambassador
to the Holy See

Introductory Remarks by the Most Reverend
David A. Zubik, D.D.
Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh

Moderated by Ambassador Dan Simpson
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Associate Editor

In December 2014, President Obama ordered the restoration of full diplomatic ties with Cuba. Perhaps more surprising than this breakthrough in U.S.-Cuban relations was the announcement of the person credited by both sides with having helped to broker the deal: Pope Francis. It has been a busy 2 ½ years for the
man formerly known as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He has been making his mark not only in the history books, but on the world stage as well. Pope Francis has embraced his dual roles – spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics and leader of a sovereign state – with a zeal that has not been seen in decades. With his wisdom and personal charisma, Pope Francis has taken on some of the world’s most pressing international issues. How is Pope Francis repositioning the Vatican on the world stage? How can he best leverage his influence to help resolve key global challenges? What pitfalls and perils does he face?

Ambassador Anne Leahy served as Canada’s Ambassador to the Holy See from 2008-2012, capping off an illustrious 40 year career in the diplomatic service. Following her retirement, she returned to Rome to assist the Canadian Embassy at the time of the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and the election of Pope Francis I. From 2000-2002, she was the Federal Coordinator for the 2002 World Youth Day and the visit of Pope John Paul II to Toronto. Ambassador Leahy is currently an adjunct professor at McGill University in Montreal, where she teaches a course on Catholic Social Thought and serves on the Advisory Board of the Faculty of Religious Studies. She is on the boards of the Newman Institute in Montreal and Regis College in Toronto.She speaks on policy issues of faith and secularism and of religion and foreign policy. Ambassador Leahy previously served as Ambassador to the Great Lakes Region of Africa, as well as the countries of Cameroon, Chad, and the Central African Republic. She was Ambassador to Poland, Russia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, and Belarus during the 1990 transition years.

Register Now: worldpittsburgh.org

VIP: $40 (includes pre-event reception,
priority seating, and a special opportunity to
meet Ambassador Leahy and Bishop Zubik)

General Admission: $25

Clergy/Student (with I.D.): $10

Duquesne University Students (with I.D.):
Free (but must register online)

Group rates available; call 412-281-7055

Event Date: 
Thursday, September 17, 2015 - 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Institution(s): 
Sponsored By: 
World Affairs Council, Co-sponser: Duquesne University
Contact: 
Call 412-281-7970 or email welcome@worldpittsburgh.org.
Location: 
Power Center, Duquesne University 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh