“The canonization of Fr. Damien is an event celebrated by not only Americans and Belgians, but also by all who follow him as a model for compassionate care of those with debilitating diseases. His example demonstrates the truest meaning of the axiom ‘giving of oneself,’ and he serves as an inspiration for all those who strive to make the world a better place. Father Damien has become the spiritual patron for those suffering from Hansen’s disease (leprosy), HIV and AIDS, and outcasts.”

[…] The U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Miguel H. Díaz, presented his letter of credentials from President Barack Obama to Pope Benedict XVI on Friday, October 2, 2009 at the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo. Accompanying Ambassador Diaz for this memorable occasion were his wife, his four children, his father, other family members from the United States, and members of the diplomatic staff from the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See.

[…] The U.S. Ambassador-designate to the Holy See, Miguel H. Díaz, will present his letter of credentials from President Barack Obama to Pope Benedict XVI on Friday, October 2, 2009.

[…] Rome, August 27 – The U.S. Ambassador-Designate to the Holy See, Dr. Miguel Humberto Díaz, arrived with his family this morning at Fiumicino International Airport. He was sworn in as Ambassador on August 21 in Washington D.C., and will assume his full duties upon presentation of his letter of credentials from President Barack Obama to the Holy Father.

[…] Doctor Miguel Humberto Díaz was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on August 4, 2009, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Holy See.

[…] Walter Grazer, a consultant for the National Religious Partnership for the Environment, highlighted the role faith communities in America have played in caring for the environment and detailed President Obama’s climate change policies during a three-day visit to the Holy See. Over the course of his visit from June 3-5, Mr. Grazer met with Holy See officials, interviewed with print and radio journalists, and met a variety of lay and religious organizations.

[…] On May 28, 2009, the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See hosted a reception in honor of American veterans of the Anzio campaign in Italy during World War II. The veterans, each of whom had fought at the Anzio beachhead, were in Italy for Memorial Day ceremonies at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno, Italy, where many of the American soldiers who died at Anzio are buried.

[…] Secretary Clinton (Oct. 26): "[W]e are convinced that the best antidote to intolerance is a combination of robust legal protections against discrimination and hate crimes, proactive government outreach to minority religious groups, and the vigorous defense of both freedom of religion and expression. So it is our hope that the International Religious Freedom Report will encourage existing religious freedom movements around the world and promote dialogue among governments and within societies on how best to accommodate religious communities and protect each individual’s right to believe or not believe, as that individual sees fit."

[…] “Pursuant to section 201 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1621), I hereby report that I have exercised my authority to declare a national emergency in order to be prepared in the event of a rapid increase in illness across the Nation that may overburden health care resources.”

[…] More than one billion people – one sixth of the world’s population – suffer from chronic hunger. Without enough food, adults struggle to work and children struggle to learn. Global food supplies must increase by an estimated 50 percent to meet expected demand in the next 20 years. Advancing sustainable agricultural-led growth increases the availability of food, keeps food affordable, and raises the incomes of the poor.

AIDS targets the young and strong. It leaves children without parents, schools without teachers, hospitals without nurses and doctors, fields without farmers. It undermines economies, it widens poverty, it sows the seeds of instability. And for families, its damage is measured in loved ones lost; in nations, it’s measured in potential lost. And six years ago, President Bush launched a path-breaking response to the AIDS epidemic, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, known as PEPFAR. It’s the largest attempt in history to address a single disease, and the consequences and implications of that disease.

[…] Proclamation by President Barack Obama – ”Through the twisted steel of the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the scarred walls of the Pentagon, and the smoky wreckage in a field in southwest Pennsylvania, the patriotism and resiliency of the American people shone brightly on September 11, 2001.

[…] U.S. President Barack Obama on Senator Ted Kennedy: […] “Today we say goodbye to the youngest child of Rose and Joseph Kennedy. The world will long remember their son Edward as the heir to a weighty legacy; a champion for those who had none; the soul of the Democratic Party; and the lion of the United States Senate -- a man who graces nearly 1,000 laws, and who penned more than 300 laws himself.”

[…] July 15: “The United States is deeply saddened by reports of the abduction and murder of respected human rights activist Natalya Estemirova. We call upon the Russian government to bring those responsible to justice.”