AMERICA: USA: PIETRO SAMBI-RIP- DIES AGE 73- NUNCIO OF USA

Archbishop Pietro Sambi, nuncio to the US, has died on Wed. July 27 at the age of 73. This was a result of complications from surgery to his lungs. He was born June 27, 1938, in Sogliano sul Rubicone, Forli, Italy. He was incardinated in the Diocese of San Marino-Montefeltro and ordained a priest on March 14, 1964. Sambi had a Doctorate in Sacred Theology and in Canon Law. Archbishop Sambi was named as papal nuncio to the U.S. by Pope Benedict XVI in December 2005.

(Image source: GOOGLE IMAGES/FACEBOOK)

According to the USCCB:

He started his service in the Diplomatic Corps of the Holy See in April, 1969, in Cameroon.

He was transferred to the Apostolic Nunciature in Jerusalem on July 19, 1971, and subsequently to the Apostolic Nunciatures in Cuba in 1974, in Algeria in 1978, in Nicaragua in 1979, in Belgium in 1981, and then in India in May, 1984 with the rank of Counselor.

Archbishop Sambi was consecrated as Bishop and made Titular Archbishop of Belcastro on November 9, 1985.

He was nominated Pro-Apostolic Nuncio in Burundi on October 10, 1985, Pro-Apostolic Nuncio in Indonesia on November 28, 1991, and Apostolic Nuncio in Israel and Cyprus, and Apostolic Delegate in Jerusalem and Palestine on June 6, 1998.

Archbishop Sambi speaks Italian, English, French and Spanish. (source: USCCB)