Death of the Archbishop Emeritus of Monaco, Mgr Barsi: unanimous tributes are multiplying
main government
“During all these years, until his retirement in 2020, Monsignor Bernard Barsi guided the Catholic community of Monaco, with benevolence and fraternity. Always attentive to the faithful, he knew how to provide advice and comfort to everyone. His human qualities were unanimously recognized and appreciated.
Since his episcopal consecration on October 8, 2000, he has been the actor and the privileged witness of the moments of joy and sadness of the Monegasque community and of the major religious events that have accompanied the Princely Family and the population of the Principality.
The Prince’s Government presents its most sincere condolences to his family, as well as to the members of the Diocese of Monaco and to the Principality’s Catholic community.”
Bishop Jean-Philippe Nault, Bishop of Nice
“I am very touched by the disappearance of Bishop Barsi, like many people from the Riviera of his diocese of origin. He was appreciated by all, in particular because of this fraternal and faithful friendship which characterized him so much. This was his charism , his path of evangelization. I remember his warm welcome when I arrived in Nice, and keep his wise advice of these last months. I do not forget his family, his relatives, those who had the joy to cross his path.”
Brigitte Boccone-Pagès, President of the National Council
“Bishop Bernard Barsi was a man of the Church and a personality greatly appreciated by the entire Monegasque community. Our compatriots and our residents became attached to this man who took part in all the great moments in the life of our country. of the last 20 years. At the National Council, within the framework of the legislative exercise on so-called sensitive texts, in particular on the decriminalization of abortion for women, the cohabitation contract or even on the opening of shops on On Sunday, the elected officials were always able to rely on his benevolent listening and on a quality of serious and sincere dialogue to make Monegasque legislation reasonably reasonable and responsible, in line with the expectations of our population and the evolution of mentalities. is with heavy hearts that we say ‘thank you’ to him today.”
Georges Marsan, Mayor of Monaco
“Archbishop Barsi was a man of the Church unanimously appreciated. He was always present in the moments of joy and pain that we were going through. Always present also in everyone’s daily life to provide advice and bring comfort. I am very sad and I pray for him. It is a huge loss for our community.”
Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice
“Mgr Barsi occupied an immense place in the hearts of the faithful of our territory. He was a very evolved Niçois attached to his city and his county, where he practiced in several parishes. He had a strong link with the mountains. After having been ordained a priest, he was appointed vicar in the mountains, in Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée, Auron and Isola 2000, which he had participated in inaugurating in 1971 and said mass on this occasion.
Eric Ciotti, MP for the 1st constituency of the Alpes-Maritimes
“Mgr Barsi was deeply Nice and very attached to the culture of the county and the Alpes-Maritimes. He lived in the heart of Nice, rue Vernier, and sat in the office of the Academia nissarda where his erudition and his humor were very much appreciated. Man of contact, always smiling and available, he will leave the mark of a man of the Church unanimously appreciated (…) He never forgot his roots and thus continued to take part in the patronal feasts and the ceremonies in the Diocese from Nice.”
Ladislas Polski, Mayor of La Trinité
“Bishop Barsi was parish priest of La Trinité for a decade during which he left his mark, with his simple presence and his humanity, on the memory of many Trinitarian families, some of whom continued to seek him for the sacraments of their loved ones whom he celebrated regularly. Some ancient Trinitarians also often recall, among innumerable and touching intimate anecdotes, that he sounded the tocsin, according to the age-old custom to signal a great danger, at the end of the historic strikes which opposed the closure of the Vernier factories where hundreds of workers worked.
”Those who believed in heaven and those who didn’t”, as the poet said, will remember him as an intelligent, simple and warm man.”
Sospel Town Hall
“Profound sadness at the announcement of the death of Monsignor Bernard Barsi, Archbishop Emeritus of the Principality of Monaco.
A wise and erudite man has just left us. His memory will always be present. Friend of Sospel, he will be missed.
Very sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, to the Catholic community of Monaco and other parishes where he officiated.”
Sébastien Olharan, mayor of Breil-sur-Roya
“Sad to learn of the sudden death of Monsignor Barsi, who was deployed in the Vallée des Paillons for a long time before becoming Archbishop of Monaco. I have fond memories of his visit to Libre last year and I send all my condolences to his relatives.”