UCA News
Contribute

Papal envoy buried in southern India

Archbishop remembered as a peace-builder
Papal envoy buried in southern India
Delegates from the Ivory Coast attend Dr Ambrose Madtha's funeral
Published: December 17, 2012 10:32 AM GMT
Updated: December 16, 2012 10:38 PM GMT

Papal envoy Archbishop Dr Ambrose Madtha was buried in his native Beltanghady, southern India, on Saturday following his death in a car crash. The accident occurred on December 8 in the Ivory Coast, his most recent appointment on behalf of The Vatican.

Dr Madtha, who was 57 when he died, served as the papal nuncio in six countries including Taiwan, Albania and the Ivory Coast.

Some 3,500 people attended the funeral at the Holy Redeemer parish church in Beltanghady, Karnataka state, including a delegation from the Ivory Coast.

Dr Madtha was considered a trusted peace-builder in many of the places in which he was posted.

Imam Dosso, a Muslim leader in the Ivorian delegation, said Dr Madtha had built bridges between faiths, recalling an incident when he printed and distributed 120 copies of the Qu’ran after a Christian burned the Islamic holy book, sparking an outcry.

“That is a great gesture … to sustain peace and cordiality. That is why I have come for the funeral," said Dosso.

In late 2010, he served as a behind-the-scenes broker when former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo tried to cling to power after losing an election.

In Taiwan – his prior posting – Dr Madtha arranged for then president, Chen Shui-bian, to attend the funeral of John Paul II. A leader of the diplomatically isolated island had never before visited The Vatican.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia