Washington D.C., Jul 26, 2011 / 00:02 am
Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Pope’s diplomatic representative to the U.S., has been placed on a ventilator following “delicate lung surgery” two weeks ago, the nunciature in Washington, D.C. announced July 22.
The nunciature cited “post-surgery complications,” in the announcement, adding that the 73 year-old archbishop has been placed on assisted ventilation “to attempt recovery of his lung function.”
Don Clemmer, assistant director of media relations at the U.S. bishops' conference, told CNA on July 25 that the nunciature's statement is the only one being released on the archbishop's condition at this time.
The nunciature, along with Archbishop Sambi's family, asked “Bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful” to offer “sacrifices and prayers” for the nuncio's recovery.