Vatican City – Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop Bernardito Auza as the new Apostolic Nuncio to Spain and Andorra, the Holy See announced today, September 25, 2024.The diplomatic appointment fills a key post overseeing the Catholic Church’s relations with two European nations.
Archbishop Auza, a seasoned diplomat with nearly three decades of service in the Holy See’s diplomatic corps, brings extensive international experience to the role. His appointment underscores the Vatican’s continued emphasis on strengthening ties with countries in Europe and beyond.The Nuncio serves as the Pope’s personal representative, facilitating communication and collaboration on matters of mutual interest between the Holy see and the governments of Spain and Andorra.
Prior to this assignment, Archbishop Auza served as Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia and Apostolic Nuncio to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) beginning in September 2017 and 2018, respectively. He was ordained a bishop in March 2010 after being named Titular Archbishop of Torcello and Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and equatorial Guinea by Pope Benedict XVI on January 25, 2010.
Archbishop Auza initially entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1993, with prior assignments in Korea and Chile, and also within the Secretariat of State of the Holy See. He also served as Prelate of the Institute for the Works of Religion from 2006.
A polyglot, Archbishop Auza is fluent in Italian, English, French, and Spanish, skills vital for navigating the complexities of international diplomacy.