This morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience His Excellency Mr. Paul Bekkers, Ambassador of the Netherlands 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. Paul Bekkers
Ambassador of the Netherlands to the Holy See

His Excellency Mr. Paul Bekkers was born on 29 March 1961. He is married with three children, and is Catholic.

He graduated in law, and studied economics and history. He has recently completed studies in spirituality and science.

Professional experience: He has held various posts in Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa, Türkiye and at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and has served as Director of the Department for Health, Gender and Civil Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Special Ambassador for HIV/AIDS (2005-2009); Ambassador in Malaysia (2009-2013); Ambassador in Poland and Belarus (2013-2016); Chief of Staff and deputy Secretary General, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Vienna (2016-2020); Special Envoy for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Head of the Task Force for Cooperation and Development COVID-19 and the Task Force against Exploitation, Abuse and Harrassment (SEAH) (2021); Permanent Representative at the United Nations, World Trade Organization and Specialized Institutions in Geneva (2021-2025); and Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Faith (2025).

He knows English, French and German.