New Papal ambassador appointed for Israel

Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto was appointed Saturday by the Vatican to serve as apostolic delegate in Jerusalem and Palestine, a post which usually includes serving as a liaison between the Catholic Church and regions with which the Vatican has no formal diplomatic ties. Lazzarotto who was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, has been serving as papal envoy to Australia since 2007. He said the role was "a major challenge," but one he "accepts with joy" in which he will "continue to offer [his] full contribution to dialogue and peace." Lazzarotto was born in Carpanè, Vicenza in 1942 and was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Padua in 1967. He replaces Archbishop Antonio Franco after six years of service in the post.