Archbishop Giovanni Becciu, Vatican Deputy Secretary of State

"The Holy Father wanted to recognize the valid work carried out by his Excellency Msgr. Sambi, especially in the last few years, by calling him to an important position in the Roman Curia. But the Lord, in his inscrutable plan, wanted to call this good and faithful servant home. . . He was a man of firm and profound faith, a zealous and fervent pastor."

Cardinal Sean O'Malley, Boston

"He was an engaging and dedicated leader who had great love for a deep commitment to the Catholic faithful of our country . . . The Archbishop was a good and holy man and he will be greatly missed.''

Father Thomas P. Rausch, a professor of Catholic theology at Loyola Marymount University

"He was enormously popular, He was very outgoing, extroverted, very positive.... My sense is that this man was really loved, which is not always true of those in that office."

Catholic University President John Garvey

"The Catholic University of America mourns the passing of Archbishop Pietro Sambi. He was a great friend of The Catholic University of America and a passionate advocate of Catholic education. We were privileged to have him visit our campus on various occasions – from attending an academic seminar to praying with our students. He faithfully attended our annual American Cardinals Dinner, the University's major fundraiser for student scholarships. It was there that his rapport with our students was apparent. We will always remember his enthusiastic proclamation of the Word, his cheerfulness, and his openness to everyone who crossed his path."

Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., president of the University of Notre Dame

"Archbishop Sambi was an ambassador in the most literal sense of the word," Father Jenkins said. "A strong and joyful leader, he inspired others through his deep faith, genuine compassion and thoughtful pursuit of the truth in the complex issues the Church has faced. He made many friends in his travels, including here at Notre Dame, and he will be deeply missed.

Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, DC

"I thank God that I was able this Sunday to go to the hospital and anoint Archbishop Sambi. That is something I will always cherish," said Cardinal Wuerl in an interview that recalled the nuncio's warmth, humor and generous participation in archdiocesan events. "He could find something to laugh about, no matter what the situation involved," said the cardinal. "As the Pope's representative here, Archbishop Sambi put a face on that presence that was happy, cheerful and welcoming. We saw that same warm spirit during the Pope's visit, and after the Holy Father's departure, his caring presence remained in the person of Archbishop Sambi." (National Catholic Register, July 28, 2011)

Jason Berry, Author

Jason Berry, an author who was one of the first journalists to report on sexual abuse in the church, said Archbishop Sambi's sensitivity to the needs of ordinary people had made him a rare Vatican prelate. In his recent book on church finances, "Render Unto Rome," Mr. Berry portrayed the archbishop as one of the few high-ranking church officials in the United States who had tried to stop dioceses from closing parishes to pay for sexual abuse court settlements. (New York Times, July 29, 2011)

Msgr. Walter Rossi, the rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.

The late archbishop was a familiar face at the national shrine, serving as the celebrant and homilist for Christmas, Easter and other church feast days. He said the shrine is honored to be the site of the memorial Mass because "in many respects the national shrine serves as the nuncio's cathedral." Archbishop Sambi was "everything you would want in a bishop and priest," Msgr. Rossi said. "He was kind, gentle, tough when he had to be, a deeply spiritual man, a well-educated man, the consummate diplomat and a priest with ... a great sense of care and responsibility for the people." "I consider myself blessed to call Archbishop Sambi a friend and although he is no longer physically present with us, I am confident that together with the church in the United States, I have a friend in heaven," Msgr. Rossi said. "As Archbishop Sambi carefully watched over the church in the United States during the past five years, I trust he will continue to watch over us and intercede before God on our behalf," the priest added.

Joseph V. Del Raso, President of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)

On behalf of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), I am deeply saddened by the death of Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the apostolic nuncio to the United States for more than five years. His Excellency passed away late Wednesday evening, July 27, from complications of lung surgery. NIAF was honored to have Archbishop Sambi grace our annual anniversary galas in the nation’s capital for the last five years. Before 3,000 guests from across the United States and Italy, he gave the invocation for the dinner. The archbishop was admired and respected by our board leadership. A man of faith, he served as an inspiration by his many works within the community. We all enjoyed his warm demeanor.

Anita Bevacqua McBride, NIAF Board of Director and former Chief Of Staff to Former First Lady Laura Bush

" I am deeply saddened by the passing of Archbishop Pietro Sambi. His gentle, generous spirit and warm sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew him. From the earliest days of his arrival in Washington in 2006 as the Papal Nuncio, I had the privilege to work with Archbishop Sambi and learn about his many extraordinary experiences serving as a man of faith all over the world. I developed a special friendship and close bond with him during the preparations for His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the White House in 2008. That visit remains the highlight of my White House service over two decades and three Administrations. I will always remember his grace, wisdom, and guidance in helping us with the plans for that historic day. I admired his great respect for the United States of America but will particularly miss sharing with him the love of our common Italian heritage."

Last updated on August 1, 2011 | CiaoAmerica.net |