Italian cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. His service was primarily in the diplomatic service of the Holy See and Roman Curia. Apostolic nuncio to several countries and as Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education. He was John Paul II's secret emissary to The White House and to several presidents of the US.  He was particularly close to George H.W. Bush and his president-successor son. Laghi's work as apostolic nuncio in Argentina (1974-80) during the years of dictatorship, has been and continues to be the subject of controversy.
 
TLS - Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, 17 August 1989 as Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to the United States.  Addressed to Director of the Arts in Embassies Program, Wash, DC.  Reads:  I am grateful for your communication of August 14, 1989, in which you so thoughtfully presented me with a copy of the beautiful book prepared for the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Arts in Embassies Program. Your consideration in bringing information about this admirable project to my attention is deeply appreciated.