Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Agenzia Fides )-On August 2, the Church of Burundi recalled His Exc. Mgr. Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio in the United States of America, with a Mass presided by His Exc. Mgr. Gervais Banshimiyubusa, Bishop of Ngozi and President of the Episcopal Conference of Burundi. The other Bishops of the Country and several priests were present.
The Mass was attended by a large number of religious women, religious men and the faithful lay, including S.E .Mr. Pierre Buyoya, President Emeritus of the Republic of Burundi, a Representative of the Government and Members of the Diplomatic Corps. "This is because although 20 years have gone by since the end of Mgr. Sambi’s mission in Burundi, those who got to know him remember him well and is grateful to him for having been so close and understanding towards the Burundian people in difficult times" explain sources of the Nunciature to Fides.
S.E. Mgr. Sambi had been appointed Pro-Apostolic Nuncio in Burundi in 1985 and ended his mission in 1991. In 1990 he took care of Pope John Paul II Apostolic Journey in the country.
Mgr. Sambi, died on July 27 in Baltimore due to complications after surgery. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 3/8/2011 )
