Archbishop Celestino Migliore came to New York to be the Vatican’s point man at the United Nations in 2002 — as permanent observer and apostolic nuncio.

When Pope Benedict XVI comes to New York this April, Archbishop Migliore will be host to the Holy Father in his residence.

He spoke with Register correspondent Sabrina Arena Ferrisi in New York.

What is the significance for the world community and the Catholic Church of Pope Benedict speaking at the United Nations?

It will, in fact, be the fourth visit to the U.N. by a pontiff: Paul VI came in 1965, when the U.N. celebrated its 20th anniversary. John Paul II came in 1979, at the start of his pontificate, and then in 1995 for the 50th anniversary of the U.N.

This time, Pope Benedict XVI will come on April 18. Last year, during the very first months of his mandate as secretary general, Mr. Ban Ki-moon paid a visit to the Holy Father in the Vatican and extended to him the invitation to come to the U.N.

It is significant that the U.N. secretary general is oftentimes referred to as the “secular Pope.”

In fact, the U.N. and the Holy See, though diverse in nature and aims, have many things in common. For one, their respective leaders, the pope and the secretary general, are two eminent moral authorities in the world.

In the context of the cultural fragmentation and of a certain political drift that render the world situation rather unstable and tense, the meeting between the two puts on particular importance.

I believe the Holy Father’s visit to the U.N. would be a high moment of dialogue and friendship.

The last pope to address the United Nations was Pope John Paul II in 1995. What impact did that speech have at the time? Has it had a lasting impact?

Pope John Paul II spoke about the family of the nations, dealing in particular with the rights of the nations, which are human rights fostered at the specific level of community life.

Looking back, if we consider the broad concept of the nation in its meaning of the grouping of peoples, of all people together, we can affirm that progress has been made with regard to internal self-determination, protection of ethnic minorities, cultural, religious and indigenous peoples, subjects that are not always constitutionally protected by a state or by international organizations.

One need only look at the production of resolutions within the third, fourth and sixth committee of the General Assembly of the United Nations Organization, dealing respectively with issues of a social, humanitarian and cultural nature, special political issues and decolonization, and legal issues.

When Pope John Paul II came to New York in 1995, he stayed at the Holy See observer’s residence. Will Pope Benedict XVI be staying at that same residence as well?

Yes. As a matter of fact it’s only natural that, wherever it is possible, the residence of a papal representative become home for the Pope whenever he travels abroad.

How will the Holy See’s mission be involved in the logistics of the Pope’s trip to New york, and specifically the United Nations?

My collaborators and I have been working in particular on the segment concerning the visit to the United Nations, and I have to say that it’s a pleasure and satisfaction to see the great cooperation we encounter at all levels.

The rest of the program, covering the Archdiocese of New York, is under the direct responsibility of the cardinal archbishop and of my colleague the apostolic nuncio to the United States.

However, having the privilege to host the Pope during his staying in New York, I’m equally pleased to be somehow involved in the entire program.

Who will introduce Pope Benedict prior to his U.N. speech? Will it be telecast live on TV?

According to the protocol, when addressing the General Assembly the Holy Father will be introduced by its president, Mr. Serjan Kerim, after being greeted by the secretary general, Mr. Ban Ki-moon.

The event will certainly be telecast within the United Nations, in the overflowing rooms, since the General Assembly Hall can seat no more than 2,000. It will be telecast live on the Internet and by many national television stations all over the world.

What kind of discussion/interest has been generated by the announcement of this visit to the United Nations among the member states?

Pope Benedict XVI’s visit is eagerly awaited.

The Church is regarded and held in consideration first of all for her contribution to keep alive, nurture and refresh the dimension of spirituality and transcendence, without which our society would fall apart.

In addition, her strong message of universal brotherhood, reconciliation and closeness to people makes her a sought-after place for dialogue and cooperation for development.

U.N. agencies, funds and programs that operate in the fields of education, development, humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping and advocacy on human rights work very closely with the local churches present even in the farthest corners of the world.

Islam and interreligious dialogue have been a great concern for the Pope. Given that there are 57 Islamic member states at the United Nations, this is a wonderful opportunity for the Pope to address Muslim nations directly. What can we expect to hear on this subject?

The Organization of Islamic Conference has 57 members, which are also members of the U.N. Since the Holy Father will be addressing the whole international community, of which countries with large Muslim populations are an important part, I believe he would also touch upon the important issues of the understanding and cooperation among peoples of different cultures and religions.

Peace is a multifaceted reality, and it takes specific names according to the priorities of the moment. In our times I believe it’s safe to say that mutual understanding, dialogue and cooperation are the current name of peace.

Sabrina Ferrisi writes

from New York.