It is my sad duty to ask you, a Chathaoirleach, to convey to His Holiness Pope John XXIII, an expression of the deep sympathy of Seanad Éireann on the death of the Nuncio Apostolic, His Excellency Dr. Alberto Levame.
All who had the privilege of knowing Dr. Levame were impressed by his zeal in the performance of his mission, and by his attachment to this country. When he presented his Letters of Credence to the President, he said that the high commission entrusted to him by the late Holy Father filled him with legitimate pride. During his all too short time among us, as the personal representative of the Supreme Pontiff, his every act showed how much he regarded his mission to Ireland as the climax to a long and distinguished career in the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See.
The late Nuncio made a point of being prominently associated with all important functions, both State and Church, and himself consecrated a number of bishops for dioceses in Ireland and elsewhere. He travelled to most parts of the country, journeys which served to make him better known, and to endear him, to the people as a whole.
Dr. Levame was made a Freeman of the Cities of Kilkenny and Wexford, and the great esteem in which he was held was further shown only the day before his death when the National University, on the occasion of its Golden Jubilee, conferred on him an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws.
Ireland, by his passing, has lost a good friend, the Church a distinguished Prelate, and the Holy Father a most worthy and devoted representative.
Go dtugaidh Dia suaineas siorruí na bhflathas dó.
Senators rose in their places.