Apocrisiarii (Church Ambassadors)
The title Apocrisiarius comes from ancient ecclesiastical and diplomatic tradition. Historically, an Apocrisiarius was a plenipotentiary delegate, formally empowered to represent a sovereign or ecclesiastical authority, and often stationed in a foreign capital. In the early Church, these delegates were entrusted with carrying messages, defending doctrine, maintaining communion, and fostering diplomatic relations between churches or with the imperial court.
Today, in keeping with that venerable tradition, the Church appoints Apocrisiarii as ambassadors — respected individuals entrusted to represent the Church’s spiritual, pastoral, and ecumenical presence in various countries and regions. While they do not exercise sacramental ministry, they serve as honorary envoys, promoting goodwill, unity, and cultural engagement on behalf of the Church.
Each Apocrisiarius is chosen for their integrity, wisdom, and alignment with the Church’s mission, and is tasked with supporting the Church’s public witness, fostering connections with local communities and religious leaders, and offering guidance or assistance where needed.
Current Apocrisiarii:
- HRIH Sandra Martinez – Vatican
- Sir Alexander Spasojevich – Sweden
- Sir John Paul Airs – Independent Territory of Trieste
- Sir John Giuliani – United Arab Emirates
- Sir Martin Bucher – Switzerland
- Sir Marcus Shutz – Peru
- Sir Leeshy Dela Tore – South Sudan and Uganda
- Sir Vesa Viitaniemi – Finland
- Duc Christian Decouvreur – Benelux
- HRIH Paolo Ribezzi – The Kingdom of Two Sicilies and Tuscany
- Sir Dr. Ian Anderson – United Kingdom