 He was ordained on 18 March 1961 at the chapel of the Episcopal Seminary of Acireale, he was incardinated in the Diocese of Acireale.He continued his studies at the university and did pastoral ministry as assistant to the Scouts Group "Roma IX" in "Collegio San Giuseppe in Piazza di Spagna" and diocesan assistant of the association "Silenziosi Operai della Croce".In 1964, he was admitted to the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy and on 1 January 1967 he entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See.