June 29, 06

Peace Main Concern of Iraq's Nuncio

Ready to Serve Church in Troubled Country

KOCHI, India, JUNE 27, 2006 (Zenit.org).- The new apostolic nuncio to Jordan and Iraq is ready to do "everything possible" to promote peace in the region.

In statements following his episcopal consecration on Sunday, Archbishop Francis Assisi Chullikatt, 53, admitted that the task will not be an easy one.

Benedict XVI appointed Archbishop Chullikatt as apostolic nuncio to Jordan and Iraq in April.

He replaces Archbishop Fernando Filoni, who has been named as apostolic nuncio to the Philippines.

Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, Vatican secretary for relations with states, presided over the episcopal consecration in a ceremony in the southern state of Kerala, India.

"I am happy to go to the troubled country," Archbishop Chullikatt said, "I am sure it will provide me an opportunity to serve the Church with vigor and valor," the Indian Catholic News Service reported him as saying.

The archbishop also spoke of the important role the Catholic Church is playing in human rights and humanitarian activities in Iraq, and pointed out the heroic stance taken by the Sisters of Charity who have not abandoned their
posts during the war.

Humble acceptance

In an interview with AsiaNews days before his episcopal consecration, Archbishop Chullikatt said: The "task I am embarking on is not an easy one, but I humbly accept what has been entrusted to me. The Vatican is doing everything possible to promote peace in Iraq."

He continued: "Our beloved Pope John Paul II made personal appeals to President George W. Bush and Saddam Hussein and sent emissaries to both in his effort to avoid the conflict.

"My motto will be 'fide e vertute' which means 'by the power of faith.' My firm faith is in God, who has been my guiding star since I became a priest, and who will be my only star in the future."

"Peace and reconciliation between all conflicting parties and religions is the main concern," the archbishop said.

Francis Chullikatt was born in Bolghatty, India. He was ordained a priest in 1978 for the Diocese of Verapoly, India. After obtaining a licentiate in canon law, he entered the Holy See's diplomatic service in 1988.

He has served in the papal representations of Honduras, South Africa, the Philippines, the United Nations in New York and in the Vatican Secretariat of State's Section for Relations with States.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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