The official agenda of the new apostolic nuncio in Spain and Andorra, mons. Piero Pioppo, is beginning to take shape. According to what the Servimedia agency has published, his first public act will be on the upcoming December 5, when he will lead a reduced reception at the headquarters of the Apostolic Nunciature, located on Avenida Pío XII in Madrid. The meeting will bring together ecclesiastical and institutional representatives and will mark his official presentation in the country.
First Mass in Spain: the Immaculate, patroness of the nation
Three days later, on December 8, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the nuncio will preside over the Eucharistic celebration at the Pontifical Basilica of San Miguel, a reference temple for the pontifical representative in Spain since the 18th century, when it was ceded to the Holy See.
It is not a minor date for his liturgical debut: the Immaculate is the patroness of Spain and, traditionally, the Holy Father participates that day in a floral offering before the monument in Plaza de España in Rome. In Madrid, the presence of the nuncio presiding over the Mass underscores the spiritual and diplomatic character of his mission.
Institutional Functions: King, bishops and Episcopal Conference
As dean of the Diplomatic Corps accredited in Spain, Pioppo will also have the obligation to address the King at the traditional official reception of the diplomatic corps. Likewise, he will represent the Pope in:
- The taking of possession by bishops.
- The opening of the plenary assemblies of the Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE).
- Other official acts of the Church in the country.
On this occasion, he will not arrive in time to intervene in the Plenary Assembly of the CEE that takes place next week.
A nuncio who lands with several open fronts
In addition to his usual functions, Mons. Pioppo will receive a Nunciature marked by issues still open with the Government, among them:
- The re-signification of the Valley of the Fallen.
- The situation of the Benedictine community.
- The future of worship and sacred spaces in the monument.
- Tensions in the educational and legislative spheres that affect the Church.
The diplomatic sensitivity of the new nuncio will be key at a time when the relationship between the Holy See, the Spanish hierarchy, and the Government is going through a decisive stage.