NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Holy See-Vatican pledge to strengthen diplomatic relations in the areas of education, the rights and dignity of persons and serving the poor.
These sentiments were expressed during the Presentation of Credentials by His Excellency the Most Reverend Archbishop Nicola Girasoli, Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to The Bahamas during a ceremony at Government House on Thursday, June 14, 2012.
Dame Marguerite Pindling, Deputy to the Governor-General, in accepting the credentials acknowledged the importance of the event, in that the Constitution of The Bahamas and the Social Doctrine of the Holy See are both founded on Judaeo-Christian principles.
There is also consonance of foreign policy, especially with respect to international development, the environment and counter terrorism, she said.
“The Bahamas is also cognisant of the foreign policy emphasis of the Holy See, on the rights and dignity of every person. The Bahamas therefore, recognises and is grateful for the continuity of diplomatic relations with The Holy See.”
The Holy See through its Catholic institutions in The Bahamas has demonstrated this commitment in the areas of education, health, social welfare and rehabilitation.
“These provide a most solid foundation on which to strengthen and further our bilateral relations,” Dame Marguerite said.
In this regard, she noted that the Holy See has been most insightful and proactive in prioritising for further relations, the importance of family life, and the particular advantages and synergies of regional cooperation.
“Not only because of the effects of globalisation, but also because of the continuing impact of the global economic downturn,” she said.
Referring to his curriculum vitae which shows that his diplomatic experience spans major regions of the world, Dame Marguerite said she believes the Nuncio possesses the capabilities to fulfil his pledge to promote the greater good of The Bahamas through mutual cooperation.
Archbishop Girasoli, 54, was born on July 21, 1957 at Ruvo di Puglia in the Province of Bari, Italy. He was ordained a priest on June 15, 1980 with incardination in the diocese of Ruvo di Puglia. He possesses a Doctorate in Canon Law. The Archbishop has been in the diplomatic service of the Holy See since May 10, 1985 and speaks English, French and Spanish besides his native tongue, Italian.
The Archbishop arrived in The Bahamas on Tuesday, June 13 for a three-day visit. He paid courtesy calls on Perry Christie, Prime Minister; Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration; and members of the Diplomatic Corp. He was accompanied by Archbishop Patrick Pinder of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nassau.
By LINDSAY THOMPSON
BAHAMAS INFORMATION SERVICES
