Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
KNA InternationalSeptember 09, 2024
(CNS photo/Vatican Media)

Vilnius (KNA) Archbishop Georg Gänswein, 68, has officially taken up his post as papal ambassador in Vilnius. The German presented Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda with his credentials as Apostolic Nuncio for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on Friday, according to the head of state's website. Mr. Nauseda congratulated Archbishop Gänswein on his arrival in Lithuania and on his 40th anniversary as a priest, which he celebrated in May. As secretary to Joseph Ratzinger and then Pope Benedict XVI (1927-2022), Archbishop Gänswein was one of the most prominent Germans in the Vatican for many years.

Photos from the Office of the President show Archbishop Gänswein in a black cassock with the purple sash of an archbishop and a cape of the same color as he walks down the red carpet into the presidential palace. The presentation of the credentials took place there in front of the flags of Lithuania and the Vatican.

Help for Ukraine
Catholic Lithuania has always had a special relationship with the Holy See and will not forget that the latter never recognized the occupation and annexation of the Baltic country by the Soviet Union, the president said. Lithuania’s church had been an important pillar of the country’s internal strength during both the Soviet and Tsarist Russian occupations. After independence, the visit of Pope John Paul II and his words “Fear not!” gave Lithuania courage. These words are as relevant today as ever in view of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, said the head of state.

Mr. Nauseda called on the international community to help Ukraine in its defense. He appealed to the Vatican to maintain its strong support for Ukraine, which he greatly appreciated, as well as the Catholic Church’s help for Ukrainian refugees. Any scenario other than a victory for Ukraine would have negative consequences for Europe and its security, the president emphasized. Future peace must be based on full support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, Mr. Nauseda said.

Pope Francis had transferred Archbishop Gänswein to his home diocese of Freiburg in 2023 without assigning him an office. In June 2024, Francis appointed Benedict XVI’s long-time private secretary as Vatican ambassador to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

The latest from america

July 16 marks 80 years since the first atomic bomb was detonated. The specter of nuclear annihilation has been with us ever since.
James T. KeaneJuly 15, 2025
David Corenswet in a scene from "Superman" (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)
The first time we see the titular hero of James Gunn’s new film “Superman,” he doesn’t descend from the heavens. He plummets.
John DoughertyJuly 15, 2025
If we imagine ourselves as satisfying a God who will “give us” things only if we do the “right things,” then our relationship with God becomes less a friendship and more a chore.
James Martin, S.J.July 15, 2025
For 13 years, Josep Lluís Iriberri, S.J. has guided pilgrims along the same trail St. Ignatius walked over 500 years ago.