The new Apostolic Nuncio to Brazil, Archbishop Giambattista Diquattro, was welcomed during a Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Brasília (DF), which marked the reception of the new representative of the Holy See by the ecclesial community of the nation's capital, as well as by the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB). Archbishop Giambattista Diquattro also visited the CNBB headquarters. The welcoming Mass, presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio on Wednesday, February 3, brought together the president of the CNBB, Archbishop Walmor Oliveira de Azevedo; the first vice-president, Archbishop Jaime Spengler; the secretary-general, Bishop Joel Portella; the president of the Central-West Region, Archbishop Waldemar Passini; the Military Archbishop of Brazil, Archbishop Fernando Guimarães; the bishop-elect for the Archdiocese of Belo Horizonte, Monsignor Júlio César Gomes; representatives of the clergy in Brasília; and religious men and women.

“The responsorial psalm answers the most intimate question in these latter times. God has compassion for his children as a father,” Archbishop Giambattista began his homily. “God’s heart is turned towards us.” The Nuncio recalled that “God manifests his compassion for those who fear him. That is, for those who recognize his greatness and admit their own smallness. Our smallness consists in being made of clay; grace consists in the fact that in this dust, which is us, God breathed his Spirit. If we live by his grace, we live by the Spirit of God.”.

Welcome

Dom Walmor expressed his joy at being able to receive Dom Giambattista. “In your person is the person of Pope Francis, who sends you as a servant to this Apostolic Nunciature of great importance in the history of the Church throughout Brazil. I want to express to you our friendship, respect, and collaboration, and reaffirm our great commitment to Pope Francis in this challenging moment for all humanity.”

The president of the CNBB (National Conference of Brazilian Bishops) emphasized that the Conference, together with the Nunciature, wishes to "provide new answers as a Church in the light of Gospel values.".

Visit to the CNBB headquarters

After Mass, Archbishop Giambattista visited the headquarters of the CNBB (National Conference of Brazilian Bishops), where he was received by the president and undersecretaries. During the visit, the Nuncio toured the entire headquarters – the chapel, auditorium, documentation center, presidential offices, and the publishing house, Edições CNBB.

Source: Archdiocese of Belo Horizonte