Pope names Philadelphia-born priest as nuncio to South Africa

Published: 2006-08-17

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI has named Philadelphia-born Msgr. James P. Green an archbishop and appointed him as nuncio to South Africa and Namibia and apostolic delegate to Botswana. Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, will preside over the Sept. 6 ordination in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia will concelebrate the Mass. The 56-year-old monsignor had been the head of the English-language section of the Vatican Secretariat of State since 2003. The announcement of his appointment as a nuncio and archbishop was published Aug. 17. Msgr. Green, who has never been to South Africa, said of his nuncio duties, "The very first thing I have to do is learn a lot" about the society and culture. In an Aug. 17 telephone interview from the Philadelphia area, Msgr. Green said as nuncio for the countries of southern Africa he will be charged with maintaining "the bonds of the church universal and local church."

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