JAPOLAC Representative Director Attends the 10th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary Celebration of Archbishop Francisco Escalante Molina
Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), had the honor of attending the Eucharistic Celebration commemorating the 10th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary of His Excellency Archbishop Francisco Gerardo Escalante Molina, Apostolic Nuncio to Japan.
The event was held at the Franciscan Chapel Center in Tokyo and brought together members of the diplomatic corps, clergy, religious leaders, and distinguished guests to celebrate a decade of episcopal service by Archbishop Escalante Molina.
On this special occasion, JAPOLAC joins the Catholic community and the diplomatic corps in expressing its profound appreciation for the exemplary leadership, pastoral dedication, and diplomatic service of Archbishop Escalante Molina. Throughout his distinguished ecclesiastical and diplomatic career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to promoting dialogue, mutual understanding, peace, and cooperation among peoples and nations.
Born in La Grita, Venezuela, Archbishop Escalante Molina was ordained a priest in 1989 and later joined the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1998. During his diplomatic career, he has served in Apostolic Nunciatures in Sudan, Ghana, Malta, Nicaragua, Japan, and Slovenia, gaining extensive international experience and fostering relations between the Holy See and diverse nations and cultures.
In 2016, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of the Congo, while also entrusting him with the responsibility of serving as Apostolic Nuncio to Gabon. In 2021, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Haiti, where he carried out his mission during a particularly challenging period marked by political instability, humanitarian difficulties, and social hardship. In January 2024, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Nuncio to Japan, where he currently serves as the diplomatic representative of the Holy See.
As Apostolic Nuncio to Japan, Archbishop Escalante Molina has earned widespread respect and admiration for his humility, wisdom, kindness, and tireless efforts to strengthen the relationship between the Holy See and Japan. His ability to engage constructively with government authorities, religious communities, diplomatic representatives, and civil society has contributed significantly to fostering friendship, respect, and collaboration across cultural and religious boundaries.
Dr. Diaz congratulated Archbishop Escalante Molina and noted that his life and service represent an inspiring example of how faith, diplomacy, and human values can work together to promote peace, international understanding, and the common good. He further expressed JAPOLAC’s appreciation for the Archbishop’s contribution to strengthening relations among the nations represented in Japan, including those of Latin America and the Caribbean.
