By Vatican Press  | 01:34 PM March 23, 2025

In a historic appointment, Pope Francis has named Archbishop Bernardito C. Auza as the new Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to the European Union. The announcement was made by the Vatican Press Office on Saturday (Philippine time).

Archbishop Auza, the titular Archbishop of Suacia, previously held the position of Apostolic Nuncio to Spain and Andorra. His new appointment to the European Union reflects the Holy See’s trust in his diplomatic expertise and commitment to fostering dialogue between the Vatican and European institutions.

Born on June 10, 1959, in Talibon, Bohol, Philippines, Archbishop Auza was ordained a priest on June 29, 1985. He joined the Holy See’s diplomatic service in 1990, serving in Madagascar, Bulgaria, and Albania before taking on more prominent roles. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York, where he became known for his advocacy on issues such as human rights, sustainable development, and peacebuilding.

As the new Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union, Archbishop Auza will be responsible for representing the Holy See’s interests before European institutions, promoting the Church’s teachings, and fostering cooperation on issues of common concern, including social justice, migration, and the promotion of human dignity. (Holy See Press Office)