At 11.30 today, the Holy Father will receive in audience H.E. Mr. Derek Hannon, ambassador of Ireland to the Holy See, on the occasion of the presentation of his credential letters.

The following is a brief biography of the new ambassador:

H.E. Mr. Derek Hannon
Ambassador of Ireland to the Holy See

H.E. Mr. Derek Hannon was born on 3 August 1960, and is unmarried.

He holds a degree in science of education, and a master’s degree in history from University College, Dublin.

He has held the following offices, among others: third secretary at the Department for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (1986-1987), third secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (1987-1988); third embassy secretary in the Holy See (1988-1992); third secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (1992-1994); first secretary at the Department for Cultural Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (1994-1995); first embassy secretary in Budapest (1995-1999); first secretary at the Department for Anglo-Irish Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (1999-2004); first embassy secretary in London (2004-2008); first secretary at the Department for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2008-2011); first embassy secretary in Washington DC (2011-2015); and first secretary at the Department for the European Union of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2015-2018).

He speaks English and Italian.