Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Changing of the (news) guard

Father Lombardi, New Holy See Press Office Director

VATICAN CITY, JUL 11, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. as director of the Holy See Press Office. Fr. Lombardi was born in Saluzzo, Italy in 1942 and ordained a priest in 1972. He is currently director general of the Vatican Television Center and of Vatican Radio, posts he will continue to hold in his new office.

Benedict XVI accepted the resignation from the office of director of the Holy See Press Office presented by Joaquin Navarro-Valls, thanking him for his long and generous service. Joaquin Navarro-Valls was born in Cartagena, Spain in 1936 and has been director of the Holy See Press Office since 1984.

Father Lombardi issued a letter and Dr. Navarro-Valls a declaration. Both are the usual 'Hi, I'll do my best' and 'Bye, it was great while it lasted' messages.

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