Pope’s New Representative To U.S. Had Denounced Jerusalem “Gay Pride”

WASHINGTON, DC - Archbishop Pietro Sambi, newly appointed as Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, had condemned a Gay Pride celebration planned for Jerusalem last August. Then Apostolic Nuncio to Israel and Palestine, Archbishop Sambi called the planned gathering “a provocation to the Jews, Christians and Muslims of Jerusalem and all over the world,” reported Joel Greenberg for the Jewish World Review.
“This is a holy city for people who accept the Lordship of God on their life. It’s not for pride,” Archbishop Sambi said. “No one can assure that this parade will go on in a peaceful way and will not provoke reaction from the faithful.” (Julie Stahl for CNSNews.com)
Spiritual leaders for the Jewish, Moslem and Christian communities in Jerusalem joined with Archbishop Sambi in denouncing the event. Intended to be the second annual WorldPride celebration, the event was later cancelled.
The Italian-born Sambi leaves the post of Apostolic Nuncio to Israel to serve as Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. The Vatican made the announcement December 17.
A Nuncio represents the Holy Father to both the hierarchy and Church of a particular nation and to that nation’s civil government.
In a statement welcoming the appointment, Bishop William S. Skylstad, President of the United States Conference of catholic Bishops, (USCCB) said:
“The Bishops of the United States are pleased that the Holy Father has honored the church in our country with the appointment of a Nuncio with an extraordinary life of service to the Church in many areas of the world.”
from Life Site