“He much loved the Holy Land, and the Holy Land much loved him”. With these words spoken to SIR, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fouad Twal, commemorates archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to Washington from 1998 to December 2005, Papal nuncio to Cyprus and Israel, and apostolic delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine. Mgr. Sambi passed away last night, aged 73, in Baltimore. His health had deteriorated in the last few days after lung surgery. “The news makes us extremely sad. We met and loved him. After learning about his health, we had asked all the congregation and the ecclesial and religious communities of the Patriarchate to pray for him. Now, we have to keep praying more than ever”.“An active, straightforward man and, though it may sound strange for an ambassador, he was not too diplomatic. Because of his ways, his straightforwardness, many people liked him. Assertive and careful, he was deeply familiar with the region, following its problems first-hand with great attention. He was a man of great devotion and faith, who did a lot for the local Church”. This is the commemoration of mgr. Sambi and the Custodian of the Holy Land, father Pierbattista Pizzaballa. “With Sambi – the Custodian said to SIR –, Vatican diplomacy in the Holy Land improved enormously. He was an expert, who was greatly respected by both Palestinians and Israelis. His opinion mattered. We remember him, so active and keen in such delicate crises as Intifada, the siege of the Basilica of the Nativity, and other epoch-making events, such as John Paul II’s visit, which he had arranged himself. With his relational skills, he successfully handled some awkward situations. An essential contact for the Church as well. His brisk, straightforward ways sometimes wrong-footed the local bishops. But such small swerves then helped them become aware of problems and encouraged them”. “He had kept his bonds with the Holy Land even after he had been appointed nuncio to Washington. He deeply missed the Holy Places”.

© www.agensir.it - july 28th 2011