The Honourable Keith Pitt has been this week appointed the new Australian Ambassador of the Holy See.
Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong, formally announced the appointment on 16 February 2025.
“Mr Pitt served Australia as a member of the Federal Parliament from 2013 until 2025,” Senator Wong said.
She added that Mr Pitt has served as Assistant Minister and Minister across a range of portfolios, including Trade, Tourism and Investment, Resources, and Water.
“Mr Pitt looks forward to continuing his public service in a new role advocating Australia’s interests in the Holy See, particularly in 2025 as the Holy See celebrates a Jubilee year, expecting 35 million visitors to Rome,” she said.
Senator Wong added,
“Australia and the Holy See have a valuable relationship underpinned by cooperation on shared interests, including peace and conflict prevention and alleviating poverty.”
A message of congratulations from the ACBC
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) congratulated The Hon. Keith Pitt on his appointment as Australia’s Ambassador to the Holy See.
ACBC President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB said the prestigious role is “a testament to Mr Pitt’s distinguished service and dedication to our nation”.
“Transitioning from his role in Federal Parliament to this significant diplomatic position underscores the trust and confidence placed in him to represent Australia’s interests on the global stage,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“His experience and insights will undoubtedly serve him well as he navigates the complexities of international diplomacy.”
The ACBC noted that the appointment of a former parliamentarian to this esteemed position follows a “notable precedent”, as former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd appointed the Honourable Tim Fischer in 2008 as the first resident ambassador to the Vatican, “highlighting the importance of this role in fostering international relations”.
“We assure Mr Pitt of our support and prayers as he seeks to be a bridge of goodwill between the Australian government and the Holy See,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
Farewell and thank you
Both Senator Penny Wong and Archbishop Timoth Costello extended their thanks to former Ambassador Chiara Porro. The Catholic Outlook ran a series of interviews with Ms Porro in 2021 as she embarked on her ambassadorship, and celebrated her four-and-a-half-year term of service in 2024.
During her farewell on 13 November 2024, Ms Porro noted that “partnership and collaboration is not something we should take for granted”, and she emphasised that “dialogue and understanding need to be cultivated”.
New Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, Chiara Porro. Image: US in Holy See/Twitter.
Senator Wong noted Ms Porro’s “contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in the Holy See since 2020.”
Archbishop Costelloe, “We also extend our sincere thanks to outgoing ambassador Chiara Porro for her dedicated service over four years and wish her and her family well for all that lies ahead.”
We wish The Hon Keith Pitt all the best in his new appointment.
