Archbishop P. Sambi | Papal aide in U.S., 73

Archbishop Pietro Sambi, 73, the papal ambassador to the United States who helped bring about a meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and clerical sex abuse victims three years ago, died Wednesday in at Johns Hopkins Hospital, the Vatican announced.

The Italian archbishop had undergone surgery two weeks ago and was readmitted to the hospital following postoperative complications. He had been placed on assisted ventilation.

The Italian prelate had served as papal representative in Washington since 2006, one of Pope Benedict XVI's first major appointees. Previous posts in the Vatican's diplomatic corps included Israel and Indonesia.

In his Washington assignment, Archbishop Sambi helped arrange a meeting between abuse victims and Benedict, one of the highlights of the pope's 2008 visit to the United States.

Cardinal Sean O'Malley, who had been sent to Boston after the archdiocese was rocked by the scandal, had invited Benedict to the city. When Boston was not included in the trip, he worked with Archbishop Sambi to bring Benedict and victims together in Washington.

Philadelphia Archbishop Justin Rigali said in a statement that he was saddened by the death, adding that "Archbishop Sambi displayed a true affection for its people as well as a strong sense of just diplomacy honed by many years of valued service in the Vatican's diplomatic corps.

"He understood the needs of the Catholic Church in our country and worked zealously for the spiritual welfare of its faithful. . . . His death is a significant loss for the universal Church and his presence will be missed."

O'Malley mourned the archbishop's passing, saying he represented the Pope with distinction and great skill in the United States.

"He was an engaging and dedicated leader who had great love for a deep commitment to the Catholic faithful of our country," O'Malley said in a statement. "The archbishop was a good and holy man and he will be greatly missed."

- AP