Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Apostolic Nuncio to the U.S., died Wednesday evening
in Baltimore. 73 years old, he had suffered complications following lung surgery two
weeks ago.
His family had travelled to the U.S. to be with him and have asked
bishops, priests and lay faithful for their prayers.
Archbishop Sambi was appointed
by Pope Benedict in 2005 as the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. He began his
duties in Washington DC in February of 2006. Previously he was Apostolic Nuncio to
Indonesia and Israel and Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine.
His
funeral will be held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
in Washington DC on Saturday August 6th – feast of the Transfiguration
of the Lord.