Following the announcement this morning that His Excellency
Archbishop Charles John Brown has completed his tenure as Apostolic
Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin has published the following
statement:
“Since arriving in Ireland in January 2012 as Apostolic Nuncio,
Archbishop Charles Brown has endeared himself to so many people in
Ireland. The Nuncio has travelled the length and breadth of the island,
serving Pope Francis and previously Pope Benedict as the representative
of the Holy See.
“Thanks to his ‘down to Earth’ and friendly nature, many Irish people
have had the opportunity to meet with the ‘Pope’s ambassador’ and chat
to him about the living Church in Ireland. I know that he has very much
appreciated and valued this interaction.
“Archbishop Brown’s Irish ancestry has meant that he had an innate
interest and understanding of so many aspects of the Church here and in a
short space of time he got to know the issues and struggles of the
Church in Ireland and was able to affirm and encourage countless people,
religious, priests and parish workers.
“For me, his energy, courtesy, openness, warmth and cooperativeness
have exemplified the style of Pope Francis. I will miss him personally
and I thank him for his generous service here in Ireland. I wish
Archbishop Brown well and assure him of our prayers in his future
posting.”