Kenneth F. Hackett

Kenneth F. Hackett is an American diplomat and humanitarian administrator who served as the United States Ambassador to the Holy See from 2013 to 2017. His career was largely defined by his decades of leadership at Catholic Relief Services, where he oversaw extensive international humanitarian and development programs. Appointed by President Barack Obama, his tenure in Rome focused on issues of global poverty, religious freedom, and interfaith dialogue.

Early life and education

Kenneth F. Hackett was born on November 19, 1946, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was raised in a devout Catholic family, an upbringing that profoundly influenced his later career path. He pursued his higher education at Boston College, a Jesuit institution, where he earned his bachelor's degree. His formative years in Boston and his academic experience at Boston College instilled a strong commitment to social justice principles central to Catholic social teaching.

Career with Catholic Relief Services

Hackett began his long association with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in 1972, initially serving as a volunteer in Ghana. He quickly ascended through the organization's ranks, holding critical field positions in countries across Africa and Asia, including extended postings in Sierra Leone and Bombay. In 1993, he was appointed Executive Director of CRS, a role he held for nearly two decades. Under his leadership, the agency dramatically expanded its operations, responding to major global crises such as the Rwandan genocide, the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, and the Haiti earthquake. He worked closely with the United States Agency for International Development, the United Nations, and local bishops' conferences worldwide to deliver aid and implement sustainable development projects.

Ambassador to the Holy See

In 2013, President Barack Obama nominated Hackett to serve as the United States Ambassador to the Holy See. He was confirmed by the United States Senate and presented his credentials to Pope Francis that August. His diplomatic tenure focused on areas of mutual concern between the United States and the Holy See, including combating human trafficking, addressing climate change, promoting global health initiatives, and advocating for persecuted religious minorities in the Middle East. He facilitated high-level visits and dialogues between officials from the Obama administration and the Roman Curia, particularly the Secretariat of State.

Later career and other roles

Following his ambassadorial service, Hackett remained active in humanitarian and Church-affiliated circles. He has served on numerous boards, including those of the Papal Foundation and the University of Notre Dame. He has also been a sought-after speaker and consultant on issues of international development, ethical leadership, and Catholic–Jewish relations. His expertise continues to inform discussions within organizations like the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and various academic institutions focused on theology and public policy.

Personal life

Kenneth F. Hackett is married to Joan Hackett, and together they have three children. His family accompanied him on several of his international postings during his career with Catholic Relief Services. A dedicated member of the Catholic Church, his personal faith has been consistently described as the driving force behind his professional commitment to serving the poor and vulnerable. He maintains connections to his roots in Boston and his alma mater, Boston College.

Category:1946 births Category:American diplomats Category:Ambassadors of the United States to the Holy See Category:Boston College alumni Category:People from Boston