New apostolic nuncio presents credentials to government

KAMPALA - The newly appointed papal nuncio to Uganda Luigi Bianco has presented his credentials to the government in line with diplomatic requirements.

Bianco presented his credentials yesterday according to the Foreign Affairs ministry in Kampala.

The nuncio was received by Foreign Affairs minister, Sam Kutesa.

A papal nuncio or apostolic nuncio is a permanent diplomatic representative to the Pope, who is head of state of the Vatican.  

While at the office of Public Diplomatic Department of the Foreign Affairs ministry, Bianco underscored the special place held by Uganda in Christianity, which he attributed to the Uganda Martyrs.

Due to this ‘special place', Uganda has hosted three papal visits; including Pope John Paul II in 1969, the first-ever papal visit to the African continent.

During his interaction with Kutesa, Bianco emphasized the importance of the historic cooperation between Uganda and the Holy See in areas such as education and health.

"Kutesa in welcoming Archbishop Bianco, extended thanks to the Holy See(Vatican) for the work they continue to do in Uganda and the region most notably the recent reconciliatory efforts spearheaded by the Holy Father towards achieving peace in South Sudan," said a statement released by the Foreign Affairs ministry.  

Who is Bianco?

Bianco, who arrived in the country on April 7, replaced Archbishop Michael Blume who was transferred to Hungary.

Bianco joined the Holy See diplomatic service in 1989 and has served as Apostolic Nuncio to Ethiopia with multiple accreditations to Somalia, and Djibouti.

Before coming to Africa, Bianco served in Italy, Egypt, Argentina.