The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, has expressed his good wishes to the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto on the announcement of his transfer from Dublin to become Apostolic Nuncio in Australia.

“Archbishop Lazzarotto acquired a great knowledge of the Irish Church and of the cultural and political situation in Ireland.” Said Archbishop Martin,” “He was an Apostolic Nuncio who listened and observed and supported the local Church and indeed had a great affection for the Church in Ireland.

Dr. Martin described him as a Nuncio who never lost touch with the pastoral dimensions of his mission.  “He was delighted to celebrate the sacrament of confirmation in a number of Dublin parishes each year and his words were always greatly appreciated by children, families, clergy and teachers alike,” he said, “In Australia Archbishop Lazzarotto will bear responsibilities connected with World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney and with the visit to Australia of Pope Benedict XVI. I wish him every blessing in his new assignment.” Ends