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Pio LaghiiItalian Curial Cardinal and Vatican diplomat
Date of Birth: 21.05.1922
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Ecclesiastical Training
- Priestly Ordination and Early Diplomatic Service
- Titular Archbishop and Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine
- Apostolic Nuncio to Argentina
Early Life and Education
Born on May 21, 1922, in Castione di Forlì, Italy, Pio Laghi was the youngest of five children in a humble farming family. In 1928, they relocated to Faenza, where priests at the parish of St. Stephen assisted the family financially and supported Laghi's education.
Ecclesiastical Training
After completing his primary schooling, Laghi joined the Salesian Institute in Faenza in 1933 (secondary education). He went on to study at the Seminary of Forlì (philosophy), the Pontifical Roman Seminary in Rome, the Pontifical Lateran University (doctorate in theology, 1942; canon law, 1950), and the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy (diplomacy, 1952).
Priestly Ordination and Early Diplomatic Service
On April 20, 1946, Laghi was ordained a priest in Faenza Cathedral. After completing further studies in Rome, he entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See in March 1952. He served as secretary of the nunciature in Nicaragua (1952-1955), apostolic delegation in the United States (1955-1961), and nunciature in India (1961-1964). In 1965, he was named a Domestic Prelate of His Holiness.
Titular Archbishop and Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine
On May 24, 1969, Laghi was appointed Titular Archbishop of Mauriana and Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine. He received episcopal ordination on June 22, 1969, by Cardinal Amleto Giovanni Cicognani. During his five years in Jerusalem, he also served as Pro-Nuncio to Cyprus (May 28, 1973) and Apostolic Visitor to Greece.
Apostolic Nuncio to Argentina
On April 27, 1974, Laghi was promoted to Apostolic Nuncio to Argentina. He held this post until December 10, 1980.
