Pio Laghi


Pio Laghi
Patron of the Order of Malta
Laghi in 1984.
ChurchRoman Catholic Church
Appointed8 May 1993
Term ended10 January 2009
PredecessorSebastiano Baggio
SuccessorPaolo Sardi
Other post(s)Cardinal-Priest of San Pietro in Vincoli (2002–09)
Previous post(s)
Orders
Ordination20 April 1946
by Giuseppe Battaglia
Consecration22 June 1969
by Amleto Giovanni Cicognani
Created cardinal28 June 1991
by Pope John Paul II
RankCardinal-deacon (1991–2002)
Cardinal-priest (2002–09)
Personal details
Born
Pio Laghi

(1922-05-21)21 May 1922
Died10 January 2009(2009-01-10) (aged 86)
San Carlo di Nancy Hospital, Rome, Italy
BuriedFaenza Cathedral
ParentsAntonio Laghi
Laura Conti
Alma mater
MottoIn verbo Tuo
Coat of armsPio Laghi's coat of arms

Pio Laghi (21 May 1922 – 10 January 2009) was an Italian cardinal of the Catholic Church. His service was primarily in the diplomatic service of the Holy See and the Roman Curia. He served as Apostolic nuncio to several countries and as the Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education. He was elevated to the cardinalate in 1991. Cardinal Laghi was Pope John Paul II's secret emissary to the White House and to several presidents of the United States. He had a particularly close relationship with George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush.

His work as an apostolic nuncio in Argentina (1974–1980), during the years of dictatorship, has been and continues to be the subject of controversy.