POPE Francis has appointed Archbishop Bernardito Auza as the new apostolic nuncio to the European Union, succeeding Archbishop Noel Treanor who died of a heart attack in August 2024 at the age of 73, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said.
The CBCP said Auza, 65, will continue to serve as apostolic nuncio to Spain and Andorra until he assumes his new role in Brussels in the coming weeks.
Auza has led the apostolic nunciature in Madrid since January 2020.
The Commission on Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union welcomed Auza’s appointment, describing its as a “remarkable legacy of diplomatic engagement and ecclesial services.”
“For decades, he has played a pivotal role within the diplomatic service of the Holy See, demonstrating profound commitment and vision… I am confident that our collaboration will be fruitful and impactful in advancing the common good in the European Union,” said COMECE president Bishop Mariano Crociata.
Auza, a native of Talibon in the province of Bohol, was ordained priest of the Diocese of Tagbilaran in June 1985 and was incarnated to the newly-created Diocese of Talibon a year later.
He earned a doctorate degree in Sacred Theology in Rome and entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1990.
He also served at the Apostolic Nunciatures in Madagascar, Bulgaria, and Albani before serving in the Secretariat of State in the Vatican.
In 2006, Auza was assigned to serve at the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations until Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as apostolic nuncio to Haiti in May 2008 where he was elevated as bishop.
He was ordained to the episcopate on July 3, 2008.
