Papal Nuncio taken ill

Archbishop Faustino Sainz Muñoz

The Pope's ambassador to Britain, Archbishop Faustino Sainz Muñoz, suffered a mild stroke yesterday. Most Rev Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster said today: “I am very sorry to inform you that the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency the Most Reverend Faustino Sainz Muñoz, has suffered a stroke and is at present receiving medical care in hospital. Please do keep him in your prayers.”

Cardinal Keith O'Brien has sent his best wishes to Archbishop Sainz Muñoz. Cardinal O’Brien said: "I have advised the members of our Conference letting them know of the Nuncio's illness and also asking for their prayers."

The Cardinal added: "The Nuncio has been a great friend to us all here in Scotland, we have always welcomed his presence among us, most recently at the Mass in Glasgow on 21 March 2010 to mark the 5th anniversary of the Election of Pope Benedict XVI. On behalf of the Catholics of Scotland, I offer him the promise of our prayers for a steady recovery."John Paul II appointed Archbishop Faustino Sainz Muñoz, 67, as apostolic nuncio to Great Britain.

Archbishop Faustino, 72, was born in Almaden, Spain. He was ordained a priest in December 1964 and has held a number of posts in the diplomatic service of the Holy See since 1970. He was appointed Papal Nuncio to Britian in 2004, replacing Archbishop Pablo Puente, who retired in October, 2003.

Source: Scottish Catholic Media Office/ICN