“Archbishop Barsi marked the life of Monaco and my family”: Prince Albert II’s reaction to the death of the Archbishop Emeritus
On vacation with their children during these end-of-year celebrations, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene learned “with deep sadness and great emotion”disappearance “brutal” by Bishop Bernard Barsi. “The Principality keeps the memory of a passionate man of faith, attached to the priesthood and to the values of the Gospel, who, thanks to his benevolence and his listening, knew how to make himself appreciated by all in the Diocese”a press release this Thursday at the Prince’s Palace.
A few hours earlier, Prince Albert II had called each other by telephone at Monaco-Morningevoking his affection for the one who will have accompanied the life of the country and the princely family for more than two decades.
What memory do you keep of Bishop Barsi?
Mgr Barsi was the head of the diocese of the Principality for twenty years and my family forged ties of friendship and closeness with him. He marked the life of the Principality and that of my family, which he accompanied in happy moments, such as my marriage and the baptism of our children, and sadder ones, such as the death of my father. He was a man always ready to help, at the service of the Principality. He was humble, deeply human. Under the guise of authority, he had an empathy, a natural Mediterranean joviality. He was a child of Nice and the Alpes-Maritimes so he knew the character and temperament of the people of Monaco and its region well, he quickly integrated into the Principality.
He was also a bon vivant with a certain bonhomie, a bridge between the generations…
He had a very round character, he always wanted to arrange things as well as possible. And yes, it was a bon vivant. People naturally and quickly felt confident with him.
He is a major figure in the contemporary history of Monaco…
Yes. He knew the residents and personalities of the Principality with whom he had excellent relations and he was ecumenical. He went to meet other religious and Christian denominations. It will have marked the Principality and the neighboring region. The fact that his last mass was for the prisoners in Nice whom he was keen to give importance to, as a reminder, even more modest demonstrations, to help the poorest and people in difficulty.
He followed the legislative work as he received the unions, was he also a political adviser?
He did not hesitate to express himself on various social issues. With due measure and restraint, but he marked his opinion. Bishop Barsi made things happen and accompanied the Diocese of the Principality in all its evolution. His other great achievement is the Diocesan House. That he has long called for and which has come true. A place for meetings and sharing on various questions related to religion but also to societal themes.
He was one of his people before whom you also became a man again, before being Prince and Head of State. A bond of trust united you?
He had this role of confidant like other priests who can have it in different religions. At one point, on other reports that are not always bound by a protocol. Private discussions where you can express yourself freely. It comes after a while but we manage to have an open dialogue.
During darker phases of your private or professional life, has he been a guide towards the light? Did it allow you to take a step back?
Personalities possess each other in these moments, but I always knew he knew perfectly well in difficult times. Like bringing your own special touch to joyful and family moments. He had this ability to accompany.
He was also a diplomat. What was its importance in relations with the Vatican?
Bishop Barsi had a perfect knowledge of the personalities who make up the Vatican, its entries as they say. He was able to advance a lot of files, except unfortunately – and it is not his fault – that of a visit of the Holy Father to Monaco. But we do not despair that this can be done in the next few years. After me, he was the interlocutor of choice for the Apostolic Nuncio and he deserved our good diplomatic relations.
The time is for homage, what form should it take? It’s a national mourning…
Yes. I can’t give you the details yet. I was able to speak with Bishop David and the funeral will take place on January 4 in the cathedral. We have had Archbishops’ funerals before but they had retired for some time and were no longer in the area so this was not done in the Principality. There will of course be a solemn funeral for Bishop Barsi.
How have you recorded staying in touch since his retirement?
I travel it quite regularly. He often returned to the Principality and Bishop David sometimes invited him to co-celebrate offices. I spoke to him on the phone several times and he also came to see me for a question that was not directly related to the Diocese of Monaco. We take the time to chat from time to time.