Archbishop Rueda Beltz has been one of Pope Francis' main collaborators. He was undersecretary of the Section for Diplomatic Staff of the Holy See and one of the main organizers of papal trips. He was often seen side by side with the Pope on his international flights.
Now, a new mission awaits him as nuncio to a complicated country: Ivory Coast in West Africa. It is a country state plagued by famine, civil wars and climate issues.
In Rome, Archbishop Beltz received his ordination from the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
In St. Peter's Basilica, the new nuncio dedicated these words of gratitude to the Pope.
ABP. MAURICIO RUEDA BELTZ
Apostolic Nuncio, Ivory Coast, West Africa
As Apostolic Nuncio, I thank the Holy Father, who I have been particularly close with in his work, for calling me to represent him. Now is the time to go out into the sea of life and bring people aboard the boat of the Church, revealing to them the meaning of human dignity and elevating them to the practice of the virtues of the Gospel.
During his ordination, Archbishop Beltz also thanked the Archbishop of Bogotá for his support. At the end of his speech, he also dedicated a message to the Virgin Mary.
ABP. MAURICIO RUEDA BELTZ
Apostolic Nuncio, Ivory Coast, West Africa
May the blessed handmaid of the Lord and queen of the apostles intercede for me so that every day I may strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ and, following the example of my dear parents and brothers and sisters, find consolation in the voice of the Lord who repeats without tiring: Fear not, I have called you by name.
During the celebration, he received the Crozier, this staff that he holds in his left hand. It is the symbol of the shepherd that is received by those entrusted with a diplomatic role. An important job awaits Archbishop Beltz in Ivory Coast: a politically and socially unstable country where Catholics are the minority.
JRB/PA
TR: AT
