The apostolic nuncio appointed by the Holy See for Spain and the Principality of Andorra, Mons. Piero Pioppo, presented his Letters of Credence this Monday to the Bishop of Urgell and episcopal co-prince of Andorra, Mons. Josep-Lluís Serrano, in a ceremony held at the Episcopal Palace of Andorra. With this diplomatic gesture, the pontifical representative is formally accredited as ambassador to the episcopal co-prince.
According to La Veu Lliure, the ceremony, which took place in a cordial atmosphere, lasted approximately half an hour and was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Imma Tor, and the personal representative of the co-prince, Eduard Ibáñez. Mons. Pioppo was accompanied by the counselor and chargé d’affaires of the Nunciature in Spain, Roman Walczak. This is the first visit of the nuncio to the Principality since the Holy See made his appointment public on September 15.
Concern among Catholic faithful regarding a possible legislative change on abortion
Coinciding with this initial stage of the new nuncio, a group of Catholic faithful from Andorra sent a letter to Mons. Pioppo to express their moral and pastoral concern regarding the progress of a potential legislative project to decriminalize abortion in the Principality.
In the letter, the signatories emphasize that any reform that weakens the constitutional protection of the right to life would represent a serious alteration to the moral and spiritual identity of Andorra, closely linked to its Christian tradition. They also reiterate their fidelity to the Church’s teaching on the defense of human life from conception.
The faithful also requested a meeting with the apostolic nuncio, either in person or by videoconference, in order to directly present their position and explore possible avenues for pastoral collaboration in this area.
A new stage of diplomatic and pastoral relations in the Principality
The presentation of the Letters of Credence by Mons. Pioppo opens a new stage of diplomatic and pastoral dialogue between the Holy See and the Principality of Andorra. In a context marked by sensitive debates in the moral sphere, the arrival of the new nuncio is seen as an opportunity to strengthen institutional relations and accompany the local Catholic community on key issues such as the defense of life, pastoral care, and the Christian identity of the country.