Pope appoints Bishop Noel Treanor as Apostolic Nuncio to EU

Bishop Noel Treanor

Source: COMECE/IrishCatholic Media Office

Pope Francis has appointed the Bishop of Down and Connor in Northern Ireland Rt Rev Noel Treanor as Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union. The announcement was made on 26 November. Bishop Treanor takes up his appointment in Brussels in January 2023.

Bishop Treanor said he was honoured to be appointed to the diplomatic role. He said: "I have accepted this appointment and, with God's grace, I will seek to carry out this mission which has been entrusted to me."

In a letter to parishioners and clergy, Bishop Treanor said it was with a "heavy heart" that he was leaving the diocese. "I have so many fond memories of my time here and particularly of all the clergy, religious and the people whom I have met and who have supported me with their advice and expertise" he wrote. " I will always value and consider my time in Down and Connor as a blessing from God."

Archbishop Eamon Martin said: "As President of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference, I wish to congratulate Bishop Noël on this new appointment which he takes up at a critical time in Europe. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for Bishop Treanor's contribution to the life of the Church in the Diocese, and across Ireland, and to the work of the Bishops' Conference since his ordination as Bishop of Down and Connor in 2008.

"Personally, I have had the honour of working closely alongside Bishop Treanor since I became Archbishop of Armagh and I know that he will bring his insights, understanding and life's experience of ministry to this new calling.

"For many years, Bishop Treanor has been closely involved in the work of the Church both in the European Union and at the wider European level, particularly with his work as a member and Vice-President of COMECE, and he has brought this wider perspective to the work on the Irish Episcopal Conference. At this time, there are many challenges to be faced across Europe and at global level and the ministry of diplomacy within the Church serves to promote the pursuit of justice and peace in the world.

"I know that Bishop Treanor will be missed by the clergy, religious and parishioners of the Diocese of Down and Connor where he was so warmly received and ministered over the last 14 years. I pray that the various pastoral initiatives he launched and implemented continue. With God's help, they will undoubtedly come to fruition in the years ahead.

"I pray God's blessings on Bishop Treanor as he prepares to take up this appointment."

Welcoming the news, COMECE President, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ, said: "On behalf of the COMECE Assembly and Secretariat, I would like to express my joy for this announcement. Since decades, Bishop Treanor is a paramount figure for the Church in the European Union. He accompanied the European integration process in an extraordinary manner. In consideration of his long-standing experience at COMECE, I am certain that our cooperation will be particularly strong and effective for the promotion of the common good in Europe. I wish him strength. May God assist him in his important mission".