Sovereign of the Roman Catholic Church. Former cardinal-archbishop of Krakow. Proclaimed a saint by the late Pope Francis I in 2014. Author of numerous theological and popular works. Attributed with the gradual removal of Communism from Eastern Europe. During his pontificate he made104 apostolic journeys to 129 different countries.
DS - Document Signed: two-page diplomatic document signed by John Paul II one month before his death in 2005. Features a large blind-embossed papal seal. Document is addressed to Jean Asselborn (1949- ) then president of the Council of the Eastern Union. Informs the diplomat that archbishop Faustino Sainz Muñoz has retired as apostolic nuncio (Muñoz 1937-2012). Handsome folio reads: To the Illustrious and Honorable Mr. Jean Asselborn, (1949—) President of the Council of the European Union. Illustrious and Honorable Sir, health and prosperity. With these Letters, we bring to an end the Legation in which the Venerable Brother Faustino Sainz Muñoz (1937-2012) served as Apostolic Nuncio to the European Communities and to the Council of the European Union. It is helpful to think that in recent years our same Legation has devoted itself diligently to strengthening the bonds of friendship that exist between the European Communities and the Council of the European Union and the Apostolic See.
We bring this to your notice publicly, while for the kindness which has been shown to him we express our many thanks, most sincerely. We pray that God may continually bless you, Illustrious and Honorable Man, and the other directors there with the best gifts. Given at Rome, at Saint Peter's, on the 21st day of March, in the year 2005, the twenty-seventh of Our Pontificate.
Document in a remarkable state of conservation. Contained in a custom-design portfolio along with a postal first day cover commemorating Pope John Paul II's visit to the United States. This is an investment-grade collectible of the highest calibre.
Faustino Muñoz (1937-2012) Distinguished papal diplomat. Served as Nuncio to Great Britain (2004-2010). Also served in Senegal, Scandinavia, and in the Council of Public Affairs of the Church. Other posts: Finland. In 1978 he traveled with Cardinal Antonio Samoré to Latin America in an effort to avert war between Chile and Argentina over the Beagle Conflict. In 1988 he was appointed Pro-Nuncio to Cuba. While in that post he held numerous discussions with Fidel Castro about episcopal cooperation. Named nuncio to the Democratic Republic of Congo (1992), offering the Nunciature as a place of relief and refuge to those persecuted during the Rwandan genocide.