Australia announces new ambassador to Holy See

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Chiara Porro as Australia’s new Ambassador to The Holy See.

Australia and the Holy See have a valuable relationship underpinned by cooperation on a range of issues of mutual interest, including human trafficking and modern slavery, indigenous issues and sustainable development goals. In 2023, Australia and the Holy See will commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations. Australia has had a resident Ambassador to the Holy See since 2008.

Ms Porro is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Director, Ministerial and Executive Liaison Section. She has previously served overseas in Noumea and New Delhi.

Ms Porro holds a Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Leiden, Netherlands; and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of York, United Kingdom.

I thank former Ambassador Melissa Hitchman for her contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in the Holy See since 2016.

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