POPE FRANCIS APPOINTS BISHOP NUNZIO GALANTINO AS SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE ITALIAN EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE

Vatican City, 30 December 2013 (VIS) – A letter was published today, dated 28 December, by which the Holy Father Francis appointed Bishop Nunzio Galantino of Cassano all'Jonio, Italy, as secretary general “ad interim” of the Italian Episcopal Conference.

In relation to this appointment, Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J., director of the Holy See Press Office, published the following communique:

“The appointment of the new secretary general of the Italian Episcopal Conference has become urgent to the ordinary functioning of the General Secretariat, and for a series of duties that require his presence.

The appointment is on an 'ad interim' basis: Bishop Galantino will have all the faculties of the secretary general, but the duration of his mandate has not yet been established.

Bishop Galantino will transfer to Rome for a good part of the week, but for the time being will remain Bishop of Cassano all'Jonio”.

Pope Francis addressed a letter to the priests, consecrated persons and faithful of the diocese, explaining that, for a period of time at least, it will be necessary for Bishop Galantino to work in Rome for an important mission for the Church in Italy. In his letter, Pope Francis gives his assurance that Bishop Galantino will travel regularly to his diocese to accompany them “on the path of faith”.