Please pray for the repose of the soul of Archbishop Pietro Sambi on this, the one year anniversary of his passing.
The Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, DC after the passing of Archbishop Pietro Sambi.
My favorite memory of the Papal Nuncio was his 2010 visit to my parish, Holy Rosary in Northeast DC. When I reiterated how much of an honor it was to be in his presence, he smiled and simply invited me to have a piece of cake with him. His Excellency was a top-tier Vatican official and a highly skilled politician, but you would never know it outside of the office. He carried all of his own belongings and took time to approach every unsuspecting stranger with a smile, greeting them and leaving you without the slightest impression of his diplomatic ranking.
As a politician in the Vatican Diplomatic Service, he remained loyal his mission of charity, compassion, and returning Christ to His flock. Most notably, he negotiated with the Israeli and Palestinian governments to ensure more religious freedom and ease of restrictions on Catholic clergy living in Israel. In 2005, he was charged with his most pressing and final mission: serving as Papal Nuncio to the United States. From 2005 to 2011, his priorities included the protection of children, facilitating the healing of Church wounds, and the Papal visit of 2007.
Lord give us the humility of your faithful servant, Pietro, who submitted himself to you with a simple smile and unfailing spirit of charity for your flock. Requiescat in pace. Amen.
Sed Sensus Profundior 