Nuncio to Indonesia named to No. 2 spot at worship congregation

Published: 2005-12-12

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A Sri Lankan archbishop who studied theology and sacred Scripture and has diplomatic experience in Asia was named to the No. 2 post of the Vatican's worship and sacraments congregation. Archbishop Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don, apostolic nuncio to Indonesia, was named by Pope Benedict XVI to be secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments. The papal appointment was announced Dec. 10 by the Vatican and fills a post made vacant after the previous secretary, Italian Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino, was appointed archbishop of Assisi. Archbishop Ranjith told Catholic News Service that his appointment was "an invitation of the Lord" and a reflection of the pope's trust in his abilities. "I'm happy about the Holy Father's trust (in me); it gives me a lot of confidence," he said by phone Dec. 12 from the apostolic nunciature in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .