In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness, Pope Francis, has appointed H. E. Most Rev. Leopoldo Girelli, until now Apostolic Nuncio to Israel and to Cyprus, and Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine, as the new Apostolic Nuncio to India.
This provision was made public in Rome on Saturday, 13th March, 2021, at noon, corresponding to 4:30 p.m., Indian Standard Time.
His Excellency Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli was born in Predore (Bergamo), Italy, on 13th March, 1953. He was ordained priest on 17th June, 1978. He holds a Doctorate in Theology. He entered the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See on 13th July, 1987. He served in the Apostolic Nunciatures in Cameroon and in New Zealand, in the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, and in the Apostolic Nunciature in the United States of America. On 13th April 2006, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia and, on 10th October 2006, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to East Timor. On 13th January 2011, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore, Apostolic Delegate to Malaysia and to Brunei, and non-residential Pontifical Representative for Vietnam. On 13th September 2017, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Israel and Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine, and, on 15th September 2017, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Cyprus. On 13th March 2021, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to India. He speaks Italian, English and French.
Let us join together in commending Archbishop Girelli to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as he takes leave of his current mission and prepares to assume his new responsibilities in India.
Yours Sincerely,
Archbishop Felix Anthony Machado
Secretary General, CBCI