99 nuncios represent Holy See worldwide

January 11, 2013 - Currently, there are 99 apostolic nuncios or Holy See ambassadors stationed around the world, several of whom are in charge of more than one country. According to data published by the Italian newspaper Avvenire, just under half (48) are Italian, a lower percentage than in the past. In 1961, 48 nuncios out of a total of 58 were from Italy, that is, 83%; in 1978 there were 55 out of 75, or 73%. It was a tendency destined to decrease given that Pope Benedict XVI has raised 41 first time appointed nuncios to the episcopate, of whom only 15 are Italian (37%). However, papal representatives in ecclesiastically and/or politically important countries such as France, Spain, Great Britain, Poland, the United States, Brazil and Italy itself are still Italians. The other nuncios are mainly from Europe (26 of whom six are Polish, 5 each from Spain and France). There are also 12 nuncios from Asia, 7 from North America, 5 from Africa and two from Hispanic America. Vacant at present are the nunciatures of the Ivory Coast, El Salvador, Malta, Kenya and Uganda, while within the next few months the nuncio of Bulgaria will leave. The nunciature of Iran will also be vacant due to Archbishop Jean-Paul Gobel's new post as apostolic nuncio to Egypt. Avvenire published the data in view of last Sunday’s consecration of four new bishops by Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Basilica on the feast of the Epiphany.