APPOINTMENT: The ambassador should take its functions by this summer …
Paris has appointed a new ambassador to the Holy See, Vatican Radio reported on Thursday. The decree of appointment of Philippe Zeller was officially published in the Official Journal. The ambassador should take its functions by this summer, says Vatican Radio.
This appointment puts an end to a vacancy of nearly fifteen months before the Villa Bonaparte, since the departure of Bruno Joubert.
diplomatic row
The candidacy of Laurent Stefanini, head of protocol at the Elysee Palace, Paris proposed in 2015 had not been approved by the Holy See. According to several sources the supposed homosexuality of the diplomat, known for his professionalism, would be the cause of this diplomatic row between the two states.
France, which had assured not want to give up his choice, was previously represented by Francois-Xavier Tilliette, Minister Counsellor and “charge d’affaires” which will shortly be appointed to new duties. The latter will be replaced by Yves Teyssier d’Orfeuil, current deputy adviser for religious affairs of the Foreign Ministry, says Vatican Radio.
Diplomat of 63 years, married a Catholic and father of two children, Philippe Zeller was previously ambassador to France, in Hungary, Indonesia and Canada. He was also general manager of administration at the Quai d’Orsay.
