The Papal Nuncio, Dr Luciano Storero (74), has died after a long illness. He was due to return to his native Italy this weekend having taken early retirement. His death occurred in the Mater Private Hospital, Dublin, at 8 a.m. yesterday morning.
Born on September 26th, 1926, he was ordained in 1949 and after some years' study entered the Vatican's diplomatic service in 1953.
He served in Apostolic Nunciatures in Egypt, Japan, Ireland (from 1959 to 1962), Japan and Ceylon. He was appointed Papal Nuncio to the Dominican Republic and Apostolic Delegate to Puerto Rico in 1970.
Later he was Nuncio in Cameroon and Gabon, India, Venezuela, and Greece, from where he came to Ireland in February 1996.
In a statement the Apostolic Nunciature in Dublin said yesterday Dr Storero "was always concerned to foster good ecumenical relations with all religious leaders in Ireland. Though aware of the gravity of his illness from early this year, the Nuncio's devotion to the Catholic Church and the cause of peace in Ireland led him to remain at his post."
Due to his illness Dr Storero sought early retirement. He had one more year to serve. This was granted by the Vatican and he told The Irish Times two weeks ago he intended returning to his family in his native village near Turin. He also said he had had "a very happy time" in Ireland.
The Catholic Primate, Dr Sean Brady, said Dr Storero "devoted his life with outstanding commitment to the Church . . . as the representative of Pope John Paul II his concern was to make present the love and support of the Holy Father for the Church in Ireland. This he did with great understanding, integrity and dignity." He had "accepted his long illness with remarkable courage and patience. He had hoped to become well enough again to return to his beloved Piedmont. Sadly this was not to be." Dr Brady extended his sympathy on behalf of the Catholic Church in Ireland to Dr Storero's family.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said he had learned of the Nuncio's death "with great sadness". He expressed his condolences to the family on behalf of the Government.
Dr Storero's remains will be removed from the Mater Private Hospital to the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin this evening, to arrive at 7 p.m. Requiem Mass will be celebrated at noon tomorrow.
The Nuncio's final resting place will be in Dubbione-Pinasca, near Turin, where his family lives. Dr Storero is survived by one sister, a niece and nephew.
A book of condolences will be opened at the Nunciature from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2.30 p.m. to 4 p.m. today, and from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. tomorrow. The Nunciature is at 183, Navan Road, Dublin 7.
As Papal Nuncio Dr Storero was sued for damages in a civil action against the church by a Co Wexford man who said he was among those sexually abused by Father Sean Fortune. In December last year the High Court was told that Dr Storero was entitled to diplomatic immunity from the court's jurisdiction and was applying to have the action set aside.
The action was taken by Mr Paul Molloy (29) of Saltmills, Fethard-on-Sea. It was claimed that the Papal Nunciature was told in the mid-1980s about the abuses being perpetrated by Father Fortune, but did nothing. The case is due to be heard in December.
