SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — The U.S. ambassador to the Holy See is scheduled to speak this month at the University of Notre Dame.

Kenneth Hackett will discuss the nature of the Holy See’s diplomacy and the impact of Pope Francis’ theological argument last year on curbing climate change and protecting the environment. Hackett is scheduled to speak March 18. The event is free and open to the public.

Hackett previously served as president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services, one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations.

R. Scott Appleby, dean of the Keough School of Global Affairs, says Hackett’s speech is an ideal way to kick off a series of events at Notre Dame dedicated to exploring the intersection of environmental change, global poverty and innovative research and practice.