In a notable diplomatic appointment, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has named the Hon Keith Pitt as Australia’s next Ambassador to the Holy See. This decision, announced on 16 February 2025, reflects a tradition of selecting distinguished public servants for this significant role.
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, welcomed the appointment, saying, ‘The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference congratulates the Hon Keith Pitt on his appointment as Australia’s Ambassador to the Holy See. The prestigious role is a testament to Mr Pitt’s distinguished service and dedication to our nation.’
Archbishop Costelloe said that Mr Pitt’s appointment ‘to this significant diplomatic position underscores the trust and confidence placed in him to represent Australia’s interests on the global stage. His experience and insights will undoubtedly serve him well as he navigates the complexities of international diplomacy.’
Mr Pitt, who served as the federal Member of Parliament for Hinkler in Queensland from his election in 2013 until his resignation on 19 January 2025, brings a wealth of experience to the position. During his tenure, he held various ministerial roles, including Minister for Resources and Water, demonstrating a commitment to public service and policy development.
Raised in the Catholic faith, Mr Pitt and his wife, Allison, were married in the Catholic Church and are parents to three children. His personal connection to the Church is complemented by his professional dedication to issues pertinent to faith communities. Notably, he has championed religious freedom protections, describing the Calvary Hospital takeover in the Australian Capital Territory as an ‘unsettling precedent for every faith-based school, aged care provider or healthcare organisation’, and has opposed the restoration of territory rights over euthanasia.
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.
The bipartisan nature of the appointment mirrors the precedent set by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who appointed Nationals MP Tim Fischer as the inaugural resident Ambassador to the Holy See in 2008.
Archbishop Costelloe assured Mr Pitt of the Church’s support and prayers ‘as he seeks to be a bridge of goodwill between the Australian government and the Holy See’.
He also expressed gratitude to the outgoing ambassador, Chiara Porro, extending the bishops’ sincere thanks ‘for her dedicated service over four years’ and wishing her and her family well ‘for all that lies ahead’.
Banner image: the Hon Keith Pitt. (Photo courtesy of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website—www.dfat.gov.au.)
