VATICAN CITY — In a significant diplomatic reshuffle, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Luigi Bianco as the new Apostolic Nuncio to Slovenia and Apostolic Delegate to Kosovo, marking a pivotal transition in the Holy See’s diplomatic corps. The transfer also leaves the post of Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda temporarily vacant, awaiting the announcement of a successor.
Archbishop Bianco, an experienced diplomat of the Holy See, brings a wealth of ecclesiastical and geopolitical expertise to his new roles. Prior to his new assignment, he served as the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, where he cultivated strong interfaith and diplomatic relations with the East African nation for several years. His tenure in Uganda was marked by efforts to promote dialogue, peacebuilding, and collaboration between the Vatican and local civil and religious authorities.
A native of Italy, Bianco was born in 1960 and ordained a priest in 1985. He entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1989 and has since served in various capacities across the globe, including postings in Iran, Spain, and Argentina, as well as previous assignments as nuncio to Honduras and Ethiopia. His multilingual ability and deft diplomatic skills have earned him respect within ecclesiastical and international circles alike.
The dual role he now assumes , Apostolic Nuncio to Slovenia and Apostolic Delegate to Kosovo , positions him at the heart of Central Europe’s complex political and religious landscape. As nuncio, Bianco will act as the Pope’s ambassador to Slovenia, representing the Holy See in its formal diplomatic engagement with the Slovenian government and Church. In his capacity as Apostolic Delegate to Kosovo, a region with a nuanced religious and political profile, he will serve as the Pope’s liaison to the Catholic community, despite the Holy See not having formal diplomatic relations with Kosovo.
This transition is part of the Vatican’s broader strategy to strengthen its diplomatic presence and reinforce its commitment to fostering peace and pastoral care in regions of strategic importance.
While Archbishop Bianco prepares to assume his new office, the Vatican has yet to announce who will fill the now-vacant post in Kampala. The Apostolic Nunciature in Uganda remains an essential pillar of the Holy See’s outreach in Africa, engaging in humanitarian partnerships, Church affairs, and high-level diplomacy. Vatican watchers suggest that a seasoned prelate with deep regional understanding may soon be tapped for the role.
This appointment reflects Pope Leo XIV’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the Church’s global diplomatic footprint and respond to the evolving challenges facing the international community.
