Apostolic Nunciature Hosts Reception Honoring Pope Leo XIV and Welcoming Archbishop Caccia

On Friday, May 8, 2026, the traditional reception honoring the anniversary of the election of the pope was held at the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, DC.

Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak joined the celebrations along with many ecclesial dignitaries, diplomats, and friends to raise a toast in honor of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, who was elected precisely a year ago.

The attendees also had a chance to greet Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, who only yesterday presented his credentials and began his ministry as Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.

The Ukrainian community was also represented by Mitred Archpriest Mark Morozowich, director of the Center for Ukrainian Church Studies at the Catholic University of America.

In the traditional address offered by the nuncio, Archbishop Caccia highlighted two aspects of the first year of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate: communion and peace.

The new nuncio recalled that the first greeting of the newly elected pontiff, as he appeared on the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica on May 8, 2025, was a message of peace.

Archbishop Caccia thanked all present for the warm welcome he has experienced since coming to the Nation’s Capital, and he recalled with gratitude the work of his predecessor, Cardinal Christophe Pierre.