The outgoing Apostolic Nuncio to Malta and Libya, His Grace Archbishop Mgr. Tommaso Caputo, visited the Apostolic Vicariate of Tripoli on the 13th and 14th of December to bid farewell to Bishop Giovanni Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar and the Franciscan Friars and the Sisters of the different Congregations working in the Vicariate together with the faithful in Tripoli.

Archbishop Caputo led a concelebrated Mass in San Francesco Catholic Church in Tripoli on Thursday evening. He thanked Bishop Martinelli and all his collaborators. “The faith and courage of you all has confirmed me in my own personal faith,” said Mgr. Caputo during his homily. The Eucharistic celebration was followed by a fraternal get-together.

As Nuncio to Malta and Libya during the last five years, Mgr. Caputo visited either Tripoli or Benghasi every month. He initiated the building works on the new nunciature, beside San Francesco Church. The new nunciature is projected to be ready by August 2013.

Friday morning Mgr. Caputo spoke to the Filipino Congregation after the 9.00am mass. He led the 10.30am African Mass, concelebrated by the Bishop and the Franciscan Friars. He bid farewell to all thanking God for all the good things shared with the faithful in his mission as Apostolic Nuncio.