In a moving and dignified ceremony held at the Apostolic Nunciature in Pretoria, ambassadors, clergy, religious, and members of the diplomatic and Church community gathered to bid farewell to Monsignor Dario Paviša, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., as he concludes over five years of faithful service in South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, and Botswana.

The farewell address was delivered by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński, who praised Monsignor Paviša as a man of “sharp intellect, quiet strength, and deep pastoral commitment.”

 Archbishop Jagodziński described the moment not as a goodbye, but as a transition, “Every arrival brings hope and promise; every departure, reflection and gratitude. And today, we mark one such moment of grace.”

Appointed to a new diplomatic mission in Zambia and Malawi, Monsignor Paviša was thanked for his tireless service, not only in the administrative and diplomatic life of the Nunciature but especially for his pastoral ministry, most notably among the Croatian Catholic community in South Africa, as he celebrated sacraments in their native language and remained present to the faithful, even amidst his diplomatic duties.

“He never allowed the demands of diplomacy to overshadow the heart of his priesthood,” said Archbishop Jagodziński, noting also how Monsignor Paviša offered spiritual guidance to members of the diplomatic corps, with several diplomats even asking him to baptize their children.

The Apostolic Nuncio personally thanked Monsignor Paviša for his insight, friendship, and loyalty, noting the strong foundations laid by his predecessor, Archbishop Peter B. Wells, under whom Monsignor Paviša had previously served.

The ceremony concluded with the reading of a special Apostolic Blessing from Pope Leo XIV, which read:

“His Holiness cordially imparts the Apostolic Blessing to Reverend Monsignor Dario Paviša on the occasion of the conclusion of five and a half years of service in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini… May the Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, intercede for him and watch over his priesthood.”

Archbishop Jagodziński closed his tribute with a heartfelt message, “You leave behind not only a professional legacy but one of friendship, trust, and pastoral care. Though you will be in a new country, you remain close in spirit — and always in our hearts.”