Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop Bernardito Auza, a Filipino priest who served as the Apostolic Nuncio to Spain and Andorra, as the Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union.

According to Vatican News, the announcement was made Saturday. Auza will succeed Archbishop Noël Treanor, an Irish archbishop who held the position from November 2022.

Treanor died in August 2024 from a heart attack.

In addition to his service as papal envoy to Spain and Andorra, the Filipino archbishop also served as the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York.

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) warmly welcomed Archbishop Auza’s appointment.

“Archbishop Auza brings with him a remarkable legacy of diplomatic engagement 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.

Crociata added that he looks forward to a “hopeful and fruitful” collaboration for the common good in the European Union.

Auza was ordained as a priest of the Diocese of Tagbilaran in June 1985, before transferring to the Diocese of Talibon.