September 13, 2007

Archbishop Pietro Sambi to be Honored at CBU
Apostolic Nuncio to the United States to Receive the Dozier Peace and Justice Award

Memphis—The Most Reverend Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, will be awarded the Bishop Carroll T. Dozier Award for Peace and Justice on Thursday, October 4, 7:00 p.m. in the University Theater at Christian Brothers University with a reception immediately following in the Boshwit Courtyard.

Archbishop Pietro Sambi was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as Apostolic Nuncio to the United States in December 2005. He previously served as Apostolic Nuncio to Israel and Cyprus, and Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine.

He started his service in the Diplomatic Corps of the Holy See in 1969, in Cameroon. He was transferred to the Apostolic Nunciature in Jerusalem in 1971, and subsequently to the Apostolic Nunciatures in Cuba in 1974, in Algeria in 1978, in Nicaragua in 1979, in Belgium in 1981, and then in India in 1984 with the rank of Counselor.

As Nuncio, Archbishop Sambi represents the Holy Father to both the hierarchy and Church in the United States and its civil government, and is the highest ranking Catholic official in the United States. Archbishop Sambi was consecrated as Bishop and made Titular Archbishop of Belcastro in 1985. He was nominated Pro-Apostolic Nuncio in Burundi in 1985, Pro-Apostolic Nuncio in Indonesia in 1991, and Apostolic Nuncio in Israel and Cyprus, and Apostolic Delegate in Jerusalem and Palestine in 1998. Archbishop Sambi was born in 1938 in Sogliano sul Rubicone, Forli, Italy. He was incardinated in the Diocese of San Marino-Montefeltro and ordained a priest in 1964. He has a Doctorate in Sacred Theology and in Canon Law.

Archbishop Sambi is being honored for his extraordinary life of service promoting social equality and religious freedom for all, as well as, his continual advocacy for Catholic education and priestly formation. The Dozier Award for Peace and Justice is named for Bishop Carroll T. Dozier, the first Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis and a leader in race relations, peace and justice. Bishop Dozier served as Bishop of Memphis from 1971-1982. The public is invited to the event. There is no admission fee. ###