Welcome from Ambassador Manuela Leimgruber

I would like to welcome you to the website of the Swiss Embassy to the Holy See.

Switzerland has only recently established direct relations with the Holy See from Rome. The official opening of the Swiss Embassy to the Holy See, in Via Crescenzio 97, in April 2023 was the highest point of bilateral relations between the two countries. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and His Eminence Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin as well as H.E. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher took part in this historic moment, which opened a new chapter in relations between Switzerland and the Holy See.

The Swiss government's decision to establish a local representation demonstrates the political importance of the Holy See at international level. Switzerland and the Holy See established relations over 100 years ago, when the nunciature was opened in Bern in 1920. Since then, bilateral relations have intensified considerably, first with the appointment of a Swiss ambassador "on a special mission" in 1991, then with the first "plenipotentiary ambassador" with lateral accreditation in 2004, until today with the opening of the embassy in Rome.

I have been accredited as ambassador since 6 November 2023 and have the honour and privilege of representing Swiss interests to the Holy See. I approach this office with great enthusiasm and I am committed to strengthening bilateral relations between our two countries.

There are many issues that link Switzerland and the Holy See. For example, we work together in the area of peace and are committed to religious freedom. We are also engaged in the abolition of the death penalty. Compliance with international humanitarian law is of fundamental importance for Switzerland and the Holy See - today more than ever! Finally, we are united by the Swiss Guard, which has formed a natural bridge in our relations for over five centuries.

Bilateral relations are living relations: I look forward to the many exchanges with the Vatican and other partners in Rome and Switzerland.

Best wishes, cordiales salutations, cordiali saluti, herzliche Grüsse

Manuela Leimgruber