As per its annual tradition, on 9 January 2026, TYT Ambassador Hendy Assan and spouse attended the annual New Year greetings and reception to honour His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of the Vatican hosted by H.E. George Poulides, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
On behalf of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Poulides thanked the Cardinal for his presence and praises the unique, ethically grounded work of Vatican diplomacy, which he calls a "diplomacy of light." He reflects on the momentous year of 2025, which saw the passing of Pope Francis, the election of Pope Leo XIV, and the Jubilee, and commends the Secretariat of State for its flawless management of these complex events.
In his response, Cardinal Parolin greets the Heads of Missions attending the event and extends New Year's wishes of peace and hope.
