Archbishop Rugambwa becomes Apostolic Nuncio of the Nunciature of the Holy See to SamoA

Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa is now the Apostolic Nuncio of the Nunciature of the Holy See to Samoa after presenting his credentials to His Highness the Head of State of Samoa Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II.

Archbishop Rugambwa is one of four non-resident Ambassadors to present their credentials virtually to the Head of State on the 11th of May.

Tuimalealiifano said that Samoa had established diplomatic relations with the Holy See in June 1994, and this year will mark the 28th anniversary of formal relations between Samoa and the Holy See.

"Our friendship and connection goes back to the arrival of the Catholic missionaries in Samoa since 1845, and how its very much influenced and structured our religious beliefs and values at present," Tuimalealiifano said.

"Our relation is charatcterised by people to people relations, the visit of Pope Paul VI in 1970 was indeed a historical occasion for Samoa being the first Papal visit to the South Pacific."

He said that Samoa continues to collaborate with the Holy See on issues of mutual interest such as the promotion of world peace, protection of human life as well as addressing and responding to the existential threat of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Archbishop Rugambwa said that one of the lessons that they are learning during the ongoing pandemic is that the nations should tirelessly enhance their relationships at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

He said that for many years the Holy See has promoted friendship and good relations with the Samoan people.

"The Holy See and the Independent State of Samoa have joined hands in the International Forums on Matters regarding the defense of human life, the promotion of peace in world and the protection of our environment," he said.