Archbishop Celata, previously an apostolic nuncio in a number of countries, replaces British Archbishop Michael Louis Fitzgerald, whom the Holy Father elevated to president for the same council on Oct. 1.
The council promotes dialogue with other religions, in keeping with the spirit of Vatican Council II, particularly the declaration «Nostra Aetate.» This excludes relations with Christians and Jews since these are the responsibility of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity; the Commission for Religious Relations with Judaism forms part of this Council.
Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata, 65, entered the Vatican’s diplomatic service in 1967. He has served as Apostolic Nuncio in Malta (1985), the Republic of San Marino (1988), Slovenia (1992), Turkey (1995), Turkmenistan (1997), Belgium and Luxembourg (1999).
Archbishop Fitzgerald is replacing Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze, 69, as president of the council; Cardinal Arinze was appointed prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on Oct. 1.
