Monsignor Hilary Franco serves as the Advisor of the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations. He spent more than 25 years in key diplomatic roles at the Vatican, including Official of the Prefecture for Economic Affairs, and Official of the Congregation for the Clergy. He was named a Prelate of His Holiness in 1981, and served in the Diplomatic Corps of the Vatican at the Apostolic Delegation in Washington, DC. He worked on the preparation of conciliar documents for the Second Vatican Council, which he attended as a peritus (expert) for the American Council Fathers. A Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, Monsignor holds a doctorate in biblical theology. He served as Assistant to Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen and serves on the Advisory Board for the the Cause of his Beatification. Monsignor Franco is also an author, with notable works like Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, Mentor and Friend and Six Popes.