Miguel H. Díaz
Miguel H. Díaz | |
|---|---|
 | |
| United States Ambassador to the Holy See | |
| In office August 5, 2009 – November 5, 2012 | |
| President | Barack Obama |
| Pope | Benedict XVI |
| Preceded by | Mary Ann Glendon |
| Succeeded by | Ken Hackett |
| Personal details | |
| Profession | Diplomat |
Miguel Humberto Díaz is an American theologian, diplomat and commentator who served as United States Ambassador to the Holy See. He was nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on August 5, 2009 [1] He resigned on November 5, 2012 [2] and was immediately named University Professor of Faith and Culture [3] at the University of Dayton. He was the first Hispanic U.S. Ambassador accredited to the Holy See.
As ambassador, Díaz helped launch the Religion in Foreign Policy Working Group of the Secretary of State’s Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society. The Working Group facilitates regular dialogue between the U.S. foreign policy establishment and religious leaders, scholars, and practitioners worldwide on strategies to build more effective partnerships on issues such as conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance and national security.[2]
Early life and education
Díaz was born in Havana, Cuba, and he and his family departed for Spain when he was nine. Two years later, he emigrated to Florida. He comes from a modest background; his father worked as a waiter and his mother worked as a data entry clerk.[4][5] Díaz holds a B.A. from St. Thomas University and an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame.[6]
Career
Prior to his service as ambassador, he was a professor of theology at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University in Minnesota. Díaz is the co-editor of the book From the Heart of Our People: Explorations in Catholic Systematic Theology and author of On Being Human: U.S. Hispanic and Rahnerian Perspectives, named "Best Book of the Year" by the Hispanic Theological Initiative at Princeton Theological Seminary. Díaz has taught religious studies and theology at Barry University, the University of Dayton and the University of Notre Dame. From 2001 to 2003, he taught and served as academic dean at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida. He is a board member of the Catholic Theological Society of America (CTSA) and past president of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States (ACHTUS).
Conservative news outlet Newsmax claimed that Díaz was rejected by the Vatican several times for being "insufficiently pro-life".[7] However, Time magazine confirmed that the story was false.[8]
Speeches
Díaz gave his first speech on U.S. soil as ambassador on Friday, February 5, 2010 at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, Fl.[9] He spoke at the seminary's 11th Annual Fides et Ratio Conference on the relations between the U.S. Government and the Holy See.[10] Ambassador Díaz attended St. John Vianney College Seminary and obtained a certificate in Pre-Theology.[11]
He received several honorary doctorates while serving as ambassador. [citation needed]
Since joining the University of Dayton, he has been sought for analysis and comment [12] by the national news media, especially upon the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in February, 2013.
References
- ^ "Drei neue Botschafter am Heiligen Stuhl". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2009-08-13.
- ^ a b "Ambassador Miguel Dìaz Departs Post". US Embassy to the Holy See. US State Department. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
- ^ "Our Man From Rome". University of Dayton. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
- ^ Obama’s pick for Vatican ambassador described as devout scholar, leading theologian, Boston Herald, May 29, 2009, AP[dead link]
- ^ Eric Gorski Hispanic theologian chosen for Vatican ambassador AP, May 27, 2009 [dead link]
- ^ "President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts". The White House. Retrieved 2009-06-05.
- ^ Pentin, Edward. Vatican Unhappy with Obama Ambassador Picks, Inside Cover, Newsmax.com, April 2, 2009, accessed March 28, 2014.
- ^ Sullivan, Amy. Obama's Vatican Ambassador Rejected? No, The Swampland, Time Magazine, April 9, 2009, accessed April 4, 2010.
- ^ Thomas Pringle"Fides et Ratio". Catholica Omnia. Retrieved 2010-03-11.
- ^ Thomas Pringle"Fides et Ratio". Catholica Omnia. Retrieved 2010-03-11.
- ^ "Alumnus-Turned-Ambassador Returns To St. John Vianney". The Florida Catholic. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
- ^ "Pope Resigns". University of Dayton. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
This article incorporates public domain material from U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets. United States Department of State.
External links
- University of Dayton
- University of Dayton faculty page for Miguel Diaz
- College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University faculty page for Miguel Diaz
- Karl Rahner Society with Biography and Bibliography
- The Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States (ACHTUS) with press release
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