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Pope's representative in Ireland Archbishop Charles Brown to leave post

Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles J Brown is to leave his post in Ireland in the coming weeks
Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles J Brown is to leave his post in Ireland in the coming weeks Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles J Brown is to leave his post in Ireland in the coming weeks

THE Pope's representative in Ireland is to leave to take up a new appointment in coming weeks.

US-born prelate Archbishop Charles Brown (57), who has served in Ireland for five years, is to become the new Papal Nuncio to Albania.

His successor has not yet been announced.

Primate of All Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin paid tribute to Archbishop Brown, whom he said had "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," he said.

"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."