Kinshasa, 16 July, 2023 / 8:50 pm (ACI Africa).
Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, who is leaving the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after a five-year diplomatic service among the Congolese people has described as “beautiful and intense” his stay in the Central African nation.
“I've spent five beautiful and intense years in Kinshasa. I thank God and I also thank the Congolese people for supporting me throughout these years,” the Apostolic Nuncio in DRC told journalists July 10, following a farewell audience with President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi.
Archbishop Balestrero, who was appointed to DRC in July 2018 added, “It is with you that I've worked, and I must confess that I've greatly appreciated your hospitality and collaboration.”
“With some of you, I have even developed a real friendship, which will always remain in my heart,” the member of the Clergy of Italy’s Rome Diocese who moves on to serve as the representative of the Holy See to the United Nations and Specialized Institutions in Geneva following his June 21 appointment said.
He continued, “I have learned a lot from the Congolese people in particular the meaning of patience, and resilience.”