Given the European Union’s process of integration, the post has gained in importance, as Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, acknowledged Feb. 4 when receiving Josep Borrell Fontelles, president of the European Parliament.
The cardinal emphasized «the importance of the apostolic nunciature accredited to the European Union to favor a fruitful dialogue on the great topics of the moment.»
Archbishop Dupuy will replace Archbishop Faustino Sainz Muñoz, who was appointed apostolic nuncio in Great Britain last December. The Vatican press office announced the new appointment today.
A native of Soustons, France, Archbishop Dupuy, 65, has been nuncio in Venezuela since 2000.
He has had to address the complex relations of the Church with President Hugo Chávez, who on occasion has verbally attacked the papal representative in Caracas.
