On Thursday, December 5, 2024, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania welcomed His Excellency Mr. Massimo Baggi, Ambassador of Switzerland to Romania, during a courtesy visit at the Patriarchal Residence in Bucharest.
Patriarch Daniel warmly welcomed Ambassador Baggi, acknowledging his extensive diplomatic and academic experience. His Beatitude highlighted the strong friendship and cooperation between Romania and Switzerland. He also shared his personal connection to Switzerland, recalling his work at the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey and his involvement with the World Council of Churches based in Geneva.
Ambassador Baggi expressed gratitude for the reception and praised Romania’s cultural and geographical diversity, as well as the hospitality and deep spirituality of the Romanian people, both in rural and urban settings.
He outlined three major Swiss-funded initiatives set to be developed in Romania:
- Healthcare Program – Supporting individuals with addictions such as drugs and alcohol.
- Educational Program – Promoting dual education through partnerships between educational institutions and businesses.
- Social Reintegration Program – Focusing on aiding vulnerable individuals, particularly in rural areas.
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel commended the scope of these initiatives and expressed the Romanian Orthodox Church’s willingness to collaborate in their implementation across the country.
The meeting concluded with Patriarch Daniel wishing Ambassador Baggi success in his diplomatic mission in Romania.
Issued by the Department for Church, Interfaith, and External Community Relations.
Photo: Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu
