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Francesco ColasuonnoItalian cardinal, Vatican diplomat and curial dignitary
Date of Birth: 02.01.1925
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Francesco Colasuonno: An Apostolic Legacy
- Diplomatic Career
- Papal Representative in Poland
- First Apostolic Nuncio to the USSR and Russia
- Apostolic Nuncio to Italy and San Marino
- Cardinalate
- Accomplishments
- Later Years
Francesco Colasuonno: An Apostolic Legacy
Early Life and EducationFrancesco Colasuonno, a prominent Italian cardinal and diplomat, was born in Grumo Appula on January 2, 1925. After earning doctoral degrees in theology and canon law, he taught at the diocesan seminary and lyceum in Bari. On September 28, 1947, he was ordained a priest in Bari.
Diplomatic Career
In 1958, Colasuonno embarked on his diplomatic service for the Holy See. He served as a papal chamberlain and worked in the Vatican Secretariat of State under Cardinal Domenico Tardini until 1962. He then had various postings in the US, India, and Taiwan.
Papal Representative in Poland
In 1986, Colasuonno was appointed apostolic delegate to Poland. His tenure marked a significant period in Catholic-Polish relations, as he played a crucial role in the establishment of diplomatic ties between the Holy See and the USSR.
First Apostolic Nuncio to the USSR and Russia
On March 15, 1990, Colasuonno became the first and last diplomatic representative of the Holy See to the USSR. He presented his credentials to President Mikhail Gorbachev on May 14, 1990. After the dissolution of the USSR, Colasuonno continued his work as the apostolic delegate to the Russian Federation.
Apostolic Nuncio to Italy and San Marino
In 1994, Colasuonno's diplomatic mission to Moscow ended, and he was appointed apostolic nuncio to Italy. A year later, he also became apostolic nuncio to San Marino.
Cardinalate
On February 21, 1998, Pope John Paul II elevated Colasuonno to the College of Cardinals, assigning him the titular deaconry of Sant'Eugenio.
Accomplishments
Colasuonno's tenure as papal representative in Moscow played a pivotal role in the revival of Catholic structures in Russia and other former Soviet states. He was instrumental in facilitating relations between the Holy See and the governments of these countries.
Later Years
Colasuonno's legacy continued to be honored after his retirement. In 1998, he was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. He passed away on May 31, 2003.
