It is with great sorrow and sense of loss that I learned of the passing of the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, the Most Reverend Archbishop Pietro Sambi.  I greatly appreciated Archbishop Sambi’s friendship and counsel; he brought a deep sense of empathy and comfort to the many lives that he influenced.  I also long admired his distinguished diplomatic service for the Roman Catholic Church in this country, as well as in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, South Asia and Europe.  Archbishop Sambi was held in great esteem by all Americans who met him as he traveled the length and breadth of this country.  Our condolences and prayers are with Archbishop Sambi’s family and friends.