January 8, 2012. (Romereports.com) For about two and a half years, Paraguay didn't have an ambassador to the Holy See. But a few weeks ago, that all changed. Now Esteban Kriskovich is taking on that post.
He presented his credentials to the pope on December 19, 2011. During that short meeting, the new ambassador and Benedict XVI talked about politics, religion and even their personal lives.
Stephen Kriskovich
Paraguay's Ambassador to the Holy See“He's very paternal, very tender, very charismatic. He transmits great peace. It seemed like I was talking with one of my family members.”
At the end of March, the pope will visit Mexico and Cuba. But the excitement itself goes well beyond these two countries. Millions of Catholics from all over Latin America area ready to welcome the pope.
Stephen Kriskovich
Paraguay's Ambassador to the Holy See
“Even the announcement of his visit is already affecting the spirit and enthusiasm of Latin America, so imagine what his visit will bring.”
Paraguay is the seventh largest country in South America and most recently it has enjoyed high economic growth. In the nineteenth century it became independent from Spain.
The country's current president is Fernando Lugo, who was actually a Catholic bishop for eleven years. Despite some tension, in 2008, Benedict XVI relieved him from his religious office so he could take on his political career.
Christianity has been the major religion in Paraguay since the 16th century, when missionaries first arrived. Today, more than 80 percent of the population is Catholic, 15 percent is Evangelical. From that remaining 5 percent some practice other religions and the rest consider themselves atheist.
Stephen Kriskovich
Paraguay's Ambassador to the Holy See
“Our churches are full of young people,who don't see the Pope as just an international political figure, but as the representative of Christ on Earth.
John Paul II visited Paraguay back in1988, as he toured several Latin American countries. Now the ambassador and Paraguay's government hope Benedict XVI will also visit their country in the near future.
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