Antonio Franco

Antonio Franco ( born March 24, 1937 in Puglianello, Benevento, Italy ) is a Vatican diplomat.

Life

Franco received on 10 July 1960, the priesthood, and then worked as a priest in the diocese of Cerreto Sannita - Telese Sant'Agata de ' Goti.

Later he entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See. Pope Paul VI. gave him on 12 September 1973 honorary title chaplain of His Holiness ( Monsignor ). On September 14, 1985, Pope John Paul II awarded him the title of Honorary Prelate of His Holiness. On March 28, 1992 John Paul II appointed him Apostolic Nuncio in Ukraine, as well as Titular Archbishop of Gallesium. He received his episcopal consecration John Paul II on 26 April of the same year in St. Peter's Basilica; Co-consecrators were Franciszek Cardinal Angelo Cardinal Sodano and Macharski.

After the death of Gian Vincenzo Moreni he was on 6 April 1999 Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. During this time he dedicated, among other things Cornelio Galleo Wigwigan bishop.

On 21 January 2006, Antonio Franco apostolic nuncio to Israel and Cyprus and also Apostolic Delegate in Jerusalem and Palestine. On August 18, 2012 Giuseppe Lazzarotto was appointed as his successor.

The Cardinal Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy grave in Jerusalem Edwin Frederick O'Brien ordered Antonio Franco on 22 February 2013 as the successor of the diseased Curia Archbishop Giuseppe De Andrea in the religious line.

Work

In his role as apostolic nuncio to Israel and Cyprus in particular, he represents the interests of the Roman Catholic Church in Israel and Cyprus. At the same time he is also Chancellor of Bethlehem University.

In June 2006, he unsuccessfully tried to secure the release of kidnapped by Palestinian militants Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.