Pope Francis has appointed a native of Bohol as the new Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union (EU).
On its website, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) confirmed on March 23 the appointment of 65-year-old Archbishop Bernardito Auza, who 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 from a heart attack in August 2024 at the age of 73.
The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) welcomed the appointment, praising Auza’s diplomatic experience and ecclesial service.
“For decades, he has played a pivotal role within the diplomatic service of the Holy See, demonstrating profound commitment and vision,” said COMECE president Bishop Mariano Crociata.
“I am confident that our collaboration will be both fruitful and impactful in advancing the common good in the European Union,” he added.
Born in Talibon, Bohol, Auza was ordained a priest in June 1985 for the Diocese of Tagbilaran.
A year later, he became part of the newly established Diocese of Talibon.
He earned a Doctorate in Sacred Theology in Rome before entering the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1990.
Auza’s diplomatic career includes postings at the Apostolic Nunciatures in Madagascar, Bulgaria, and Albania, as well as service at the Secretariat of State in the Vatican.
In 2006, he joined the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations.
In May 2008, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Auza as Apostolic Nuncio to Haiti, elevating him to the rank of archbishop.
He served in Haiti until July 2014 when Pope Francis appointed him as the Holy See’s permanent observer to the United Nations in New York.
During his time in New York, Auza advocated for human rights and peacebuilding initiatives.
Auza has been serving as Apostolic Nuncio to Spain since January 2020.