MEA Hosts Farewell Dinner for Archbishop Girelli, Celebrates Strengthened Diplomatic Relations
Synopsis
The Ministry of External Affairs bids farewell to Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, highlighting his contributions to fostering India-Holy See relations. His diplomatic tenure witnessed significant advancements in interfaith dialogue and social cooperation.
Key Takeaways
Archbishop Girelli's Farewell: MEA hosted a farewell dinner for the Apostolic Nuncio.
Strengthening Ties: His tenure focused on enhancing India-Holy See relations.
Significant Contributions: Key roles included fostering dialogue and social outreach.
Longstanding Relations: India and The Holy See have diplomatic relations since 1948.
Future Engagement: His successor is expected to continue this diplomatic engagement.
New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) On Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) hosted a farewell dinner in honor of Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio representing The Holy See in India, as he concludes his diplomatic mission in the country.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal provided insights about the event on X, mentioning, “Secretary (West) @AmbSibiGeorge organized a dinner to bid farewell to Apostolic Nuncio of The Holy See to India, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli. Secretary (West) expressed gratitude for the Nuncio’s contributions in strengthening relations and wished him well in his future endeavors.”
The dinner, hosted by Secretary (West) Sibi George, was attended by senior officials and featured discussions that emphasized the warm relations between India and The Holy See, the central governing authority of the Roman Catholic Church.
The gathering included group photographs and a handshake between Archbishop Girelli and Indian officials, symbolizing the strong diplomatic interactions during his time in office.
Archbishop Girelli served as the Vatican’s ambassador to India and Nepal from 2021 until his recent appointment to Croatia in March 2026. Throughout his tenure, he significantly contributed to enhancing dialogue and strengthening bilateral relations between India and The Holy See, particularly in areas like social outreach, education, and interfaith cooperation.
The Apostolic Nuncio acts as the diplomatic envoy of The Holy See, playing a vital role in fostering engagement between the Catholic Church and the host nation's government while also promoting broader diplomatic collaboration.
India and The Holy See have maintained diplomatic relations since 1948, characterized by regular high-level exchanges and collaboration on humanitarian and social issues. Archbishop Girelli’s period in India is viewed as a continuation of these efforts to maintain and deepen ties.
His transition to Croatia is part of the Vatican's routine diplomatic restructuring, with his successor in India expected to uphold engagement in alignment with established bilateral objectives.
Point of View
The farewell of Archbishop Girelli marks a pivotal point in India’s diplomatic relations with The Holy See. His contributions have not only strengthened bilateral ties but have also emphasized the importance of social outreach and interfaith dialogue, reflecting India's commitment to fostering global partnerships.
NationPress
25 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli?
Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli is the Apostolic Nuncio of The Holy See to India, serving in this diplomatic role since 2021.
What was the purpose of the farewell dinner?
The farewell dinner hosted by the MEA was to honor Archbishop Girelli for his contributions to strengthening relations between India and The Holy See.
What are the main areas of cooperation between India and The Holy See?
The main areas of cooperation include social outreach, education, and interfaith engagement.
When did India establish diplomatic relations with The Holy See?
India established diplomatic relations with The Holy See in 1948.
Where will Archbishop Girelli be appointed next?
Archbishop Girelli has been appointed to serve in Croatia.
