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Apostolic Nuncio in Angola to Represent the Holy Father in Korea in New Appointment

Archbishop Giovanni Gaspari. Credit: ACI Africa

Pope Francis has transferred Archbishop Giovanni Gaspari who has been serving as Apostolic Nuncio in Angola and São Tomé & Príncipe to the Vatican Diplomatic Mission in Korea and Mongolia.

The transfer of the Italian-born Archbishop from the Luanda-based Nunciature to the two Eastern Asian nations was made public on Saturday, March 2 and published by the Holy See Press Office.

The 60-year-old Apostolic Nuncio was ordained a Priest of the Archdiocese of Pescara-Penne in Central Italy in July 1987 and joined the Holy See diplomatic service in July 2001.

Before his appointment to Angola and and São Tomé & Príncipe, his inaugural service as Apostolic Nuncio when he was assigned the Titular See of Alba Marittima in Croatia, Archbishop Gaspari had served in Apostolic Nunciatures of Iran, Albania, Mexico, and Lithuania.

As part of his journey in the Vatican diplomatic service, the Catholic Church leader, who, besides his native Italian language, also speaks English, Spanish, and French also served in the Section for Relations with States of the Vatican Secretariat of State.

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He is set to succeed Archbishop Alfred Xuereb, who resigned as Apostolic Nuncio to Korea and Mongolia in June 2023, and was appointed the Apostolic Nuncio to Morocco last December.

In September 2019, Archbishop Gaspari witnessed the signing of a framework agreement between the Holy See and the Republic of Angola.

In his speech during the formal handing over of the legal and administrative regulatory sectoral instruments of the Framework Agreement in October 2021, the Vatican diplomat said, “The documents approved mark the expression of a new form of relationship, of collaboration and friendship, in which the parties commit themselves to fulfilling their responsibilities.”

Last July, Archbishop Gaspari acknowledged with appreciation the services of women and men Religious in Angola and reminded them that the Church looks upon them with “admiration and gratitude.”

In his address at the start of the 19th National Day of Consecrated Life in the Southern African nation, he said, “In the name of Pope Francis, as his representative in this country, I say thank you for your dedication, your courage, your sacrifices, and your patience.”

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“I hope that this moment may serve to encourage and relieve each of you in the exercise of your apostolate, which is always a demanding commitment, as you well know,” Archbishop Gaspari said during the 26-28 July 2023 event that was held at the Salesians of Don Bosco Center in Palanca.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.