TNAG-2598-FCO40-3786-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 55

CONFIDENTIAL

RBARITO, ARCHBISHOP LUIGI

Apostolic Pro-Nuncio in London since 1986.

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Born in Atripalda, near Avellino, Italy on 19 April 1922. Ordained a priest on 20 August 1944. Holds a degree in Canon Law from the Gregorian University, Rome.

Entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1953 and served as Counsellor in Australia; six years later he returned to the Secretariat of State in Rome. He subsequently served at the Apostolic Nunciature in France.

In 1969 he was nominated Apostolic Nuncio in Haiti, in 1975 Pro-Nuncio in Senegal, Niger, Upper Volta, and Apostolic Delegate in Mali, Mauritania and Guinea Bissau. Pro-Nuncio in Cape Verde in 1977. He was appointed Pro-Nuncio in Australia in 1978 where he served until his appointment to London in 1986.

Created titular Archbishop of Fiorentino in 1969. He has a warm and friendly personality and regards it as his responsibility to consult widely over episcopal appointments. He is rather disconcerted by the independent inclinations of the Catholic press in Britain.

Archbishop Barbarito speaks French, English and Spanish.