This morning, the Holy Father received in audience His Excellency Mr. Koji Abe, Ambassador of Japan to the Holy See, on the occasion of the presentation of his credential letters.

The following is a brief biography of the new Ambassador:

His Excellency Mr. Koji Abe
Ambassador of Japan to the Holy See

His Excellency Mr. Koji Abe was born on 5 May 1964, and is married with four children.

He graduated in law from the University of Kyoto.

He began his service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1987.

He has held the following offices: Second Africa Division, Middle East and Africa Bureau (1992-1994); First Secretary, Embassy in Belgium (1997-2000); Counsellor, Legislation Office (2003–2007); Director, Country Assistance Planning Division II, Office for International Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2007-2008); Counsellor, Embassy in Canada (2008–2011); Director, Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Division, Foreign Policy Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2011–2013); Master of Ceremonies of the Imperial Household (2013–2016); Vice-Consul General, Consulate General in New York (2016 - 2019); Minister, Embassy in France (2019 - 2022); and Ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros (2022 - 2025).