The new apostolic nuncio in Spain and Andorra, mons. Piero Pioppo, celebrated his first public Mass on the occasion of the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of Spain. According to COPE, the liturgy took place in the Basílica Pontificia de San Miguel, in Madrid, where the pontifical representative conveyed the “blessing and affection” of Pope León XIV and addressed a respectful greeting to the Kings and national authorities.
“Spain, noble nation that chose the Virgin well as patroness”
In his homily, Msgr. Pioppo emphasized the deep historical bond of Spain with the Virgin Mary, stating that “Spain, our noble nation, chose the Virgin well as its patroness”. He also recalled the country’s evangelizing mission, which he defined as a “Nation of heroes that brought faith to the world”.
The nuncio centered his message on the figure of the Immaculate Conception as a sign of divine grace. He presented her as “the summit of God’s grace”, and explained that, by contemplating her, the faithful find the “guarantee” of God’s transformative action: a grace that “justifies us, that allows us to ask for forgiveness and to forgive”.
The need for peace, dialogue, and mutual esteem
Msgr. Pioppo insisted that the current world demands firm and spiritual values:
“Today we need peace, we need dialogue, we need mutual esteem throughout the world”, he affirmed.
Although these goals may seem unattainable from a purely human perspective, the nuncio recalled that “it is possible through God’s grace” to build a coexistence marked by justice and true good.
Arrival in Spain as service and learning
Coming from Indonesia, the Italian diplomat said he arrives in the country “as a student”, aware of the historical depth of the Spanish Church, which “shines with the faith of the martyrs of the early centuries, of the great doctors and pastors”. He emphasized that his mission will be a service to the Holy Father and to the “weakest and most abandoned brothers and sisters”.
He also recalled his trajectory in mission destinations, where he perceived a common need:
“Throughout the world we need God, and we need love and we need peace”.
He affirmed that these longings find their fullness in the Virgin and, through her, are accessible to all the faithful.
Gratitude and personal memory
At the conclusion of the celebration, Msgr. Pioppo thanked for the “such affectionate welcome” and asked for prayers for the service that now begins. He also shared a personal gesture: the Mass was offered for the Spanish professors and superiors who formed him, and especially for his predecessor, Cardinal Luigi D’Adallio, whom he defined as “a great nuncio in difficult times” and who encouraged him in his diplomatic vocation.