The closest associate of the pope died in Argentina

The Apostolic Nunciature of Argentina, the Vatican Embbady, ​​announced the death of the representative of Pope Francis in the country, the Congolese Lion Kalenga BadikebeleBecause of an unexpected illness discovered several weeks ago after a decompensation.

The bishop had gone to Rome for a meeting of pontifical representatives, when a sudden state forced him to be hospitalized. Doctors have detected a advanced cancer and they predicted that he had a few days left to live.

The delegation of the Holy See in the country announced the death and added that the nuncio was "accompanied by the prayers of the Holy Father and other nuncios summoned to Rome" and prayed for their eternal rest.

Kalenga Badikebele, 62 years old, Jorge Bergoglio appointed his representative in Argentina on March 17, 2018., having served in the diplomatic legations of Ghana, Haiti, Guatemala, Zambia, Brazil, Egypt, Zimbabwe and Japan.

In the Argentinian ceremonial tradition, the Apostolic Nuncio is the dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Government and, consequently, presides over various ceremonies and meetings.