Appointment of the Apostolic Nuncio in Ethiopia and Apostolic Delegate to Somalia

(October 26, 2008) The Holy Father has appointed Monsignor George Panikulam, Titular Archbishop. Arpaia of, and so far Apostolic Nuncio in Mozambique as the Apostolic Nuncio in Ethiopia and Apostolic Delegate of Somalia. Archbishop Dr. George Panikulam was born at Puthenchira on 26th October 1943. After his school education he joined St. Mary's Minor Seminary at Thope, Thrissur. His major seminary formation was in St. Joseph's Pontifical Seminary, Aluva. His priestly ordination was on 11th March, 1967. After the one year service at Lourde Cathedral, Thrissur as the Assistant Vicar, he was sent to Rome for higher studies. He secured doctorate in Scripture and Post Graduation in Canon Law and Sacred Theology. Later he joined the diplomatic service of the Vatican. While he as serving as the observer in the U.N.O., he was nominated the Titular Bishop of Arpaia in Rome and the Apostolic Nuncio of Honduras on 4th December 1999 and he was ordained as the Archbishop in Rome by His Holiness Pope John Paul II on 6th January 2000.