Ordinations of the New Bishop for the Latin Patriarchate

On Saturday, March 16th, 2024, a momentous event took place at the Filoxenia Conference Center in Nicosia, Cyprus. His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over the consecration of Msgr. Bruno Varriano, OFM, as a Bishop. This consecration holds immense significance because it marks 340 years since the last resident Latin bishop served on the Island of Cyprus.

Cardinal Pizzaballa eloquently expressed the historic nature of this occasion: “We gather in this special place for an equally special event: the consecration of a Latin bishop, at the service of the island of Cyprus. The last resident Latin bishop on the island died exactly 340 years ago. What we are witnessing today is a moment of celebration, a beautiful moment for the Church, which I hope will help us strengthen our sense of community and unity.”

The consecration ceremony was attended by a distinguished assembly, including Cardinal Américo Manuel Alves Aguiar, Bishop of Setúbal (Portugal), Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer, Metropolitan Archbishop of São Paulo (Brazil), and Mgr. Giovanni Pietro dal Toso, Apostolic Nuncio to Jordan and Cyprus. Additionally, 40 bishops, hundreds of priests, and faithful congregated to witness this historic event. The Seminary students of Beit Jala assisted in the altar service, alongside Franciscan monks and representatives from various religious orders.

Among the attendees were also representatives from governmental institutes, including the Minister of State, the Minister of State for Cultural Affairs, the President of the Supreme Court, the Minister of the Interior, and diplomats. The hall was filled with over 1,300 participants, including the consecrated bishop’s family and friends who traveled from Italy to partake in this joyful celebration.

This consecration not only enriches the Diocese of Jerusalem but also serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and unity within the Catholic Church.