UNIS/BIO/1416
5 September 2024

New Permanent Observer of the Holy See presents credentials

(Based on information provided by the Protocol and Liaison Service)

VIENNA, 5 September (UN Information Service) – The new Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations (Vienna), Richard Allen Gyhra, presented his credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.

During his career, Mr. Gyhra has served in various capacities, among them:

Counsellor, Apostolic Nunciature in Tanzania (2022–2024); Desk Officer in the Section for Relations with States and International Organizations, Secretariat of State of the Holy See (2017–2022); Secretary, Permanent Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations and other Agencies in Geneva (2013–2017); and Secretary, Apostolic Nunciature in the Dominican Republic and Apostolic Delegation to Puerto Rico (2010–2013). He worked at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, Rome (2007–2010) and the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), Rome (2005–2009).

Mr. Gyhra was ordained to the priesthood in the Catholic Church in 1999 and served as assistant priest at North American Martyrs, St. Joseph's, and St. Peter's Parishes, Lincoln, Nebraska (1999–2005). He was Theology Instructor at St. Pius X Catholic High School, Lincoln (1999–2005); Chaplain of the same institution (2003–2005).

Mr. Gyhra holds a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), Rome, a Master’s Degree in Sacred Theology from St Joseph’s Seminary, Yonkers, New York as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in philosophy from St Philip’s Seminary, Toronto.

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