Vatican City, Dec 22, 2017 / 05:00 am
Newly-appointed American Ambassador to the Holy See, Callista Gingrich, presented her letters of credential to Pope Francis in a meeting Friday morning, officially marking the beginning of her duties.
U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Gingrich to serve as the 11th ambassador to the Vatican in May, and she was approved Oct. 16 by the U.S. Senate, in a vote 70-23.
She follows Kenneth F. Hackett, the former head of Catholic Relief Services, who served as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See during Barack Obama's second term as president.
Gingrich arrived in Rome with husband Newt Gingrich Nov. 6. Since arriving, she has participated in several events around Rome, including the North American College Thanksgiving dinner and a charity event hosted by St. Patrick's American Community.