Filipino archbishop appointed Apostolic Nuncio to EU

Pope Francis has appointed Filipino Archbishop Bernardito Cleopas Auza, a native of Talibon, Bohol, as the new Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union (EU).

Archbishop 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.

He succeeds Archbishop Noël Treanor, who passed away in August 2024.

The Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) welcomed the appointment, praising Auza's diplomatic experience and ecclesial service.

Auza's diplomatic career includes significant roles such as the Holy See's permanent observer to the United Nations from 2014 to 2019 and apostolic nuncio to Haiti from 2008 to 2014.

His appointment highlights the increasing presence of Filipino clergymen in prominent positions within the Catholic Church globally.