On March 22, 2025, the Holy See announced the appointment of Monsignor Bernardito Auza as the new apostolic nuncio to the European Union. This change marks the end of his service in Spain and Andorra, where he has served as the Pope’s diplomatic representative since 2019.

Born in the Philippines, Monsignor Auza arrived in Madrid after serving as the Holy See’s permanent observer to the UN in New York. During these years, he has actively participated in Spanish ecclesial life, attending key events and maintaining close contact with the country’s dioceses and Catholic communities.

In his diplomatic work, he has had to face significant challenges, including the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and various tensions with the Spanish government on issues such as education, euthanasia, and the reform of the Law of Democratic Memory.

Now, with his transfer to Brussels, the nunciature in Madrid is vacant, pending the appointment of a new representative by Pope Francis. Monsignor Auza’s mission to the European Union will be key in the dialogue between the Holy See and EU institutions at a time of profound political and social change on the continent.