The new apostolic nuncio in Argentina, Monsignor Michael Banach, arrived in the country this Wednesday to assume the diplomatic representation of the Holy See, ending the vacancy that has existed since January 14, when his predecessor, Monsignor Miroslaw Adamczyk, was assigned to Albania. His arrival coincides with the expectation that has been building for months regarding a possible trip by Leo XIV to the South American country, although the Holy See has not made any official announcement in this regard.
The papal representative was received by the president of the Argentine Episcopal Conference, Monsignor Marcelo Colombo; the secretary general of the episcopate, Monsignor Raúl Pizarro; and the secretary of Worship of the Nation, Agustín Caulo. In the coming days, the date of the official welcome Mass will be announced, while in the diplomatic sphere he will present copies of his credentials to President Javier Milei.
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Michael Banach assumes the Nunciature in Argentina
Monsignor Michael Banach, 63 years old and of American nationality, was appointed apostolic nuncio in Argentina by Leo XIV on May 14. With his arrival, a diplomatic post that had remained vacant since the transfer of Monsignor Miroslaw Adamczyk to Albania has been filled.
The new representative of the Pope will have among his responsibilities the diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Argentine State, as well as acting as a link between the Pontiff and the local Church.
Expectations continue regarding a trip by Leo XIV
The arrival of the new nuncio coincides with the expectations generated around a possible apostolic visit by Leo XIV to Argentina. For months, a trip that would also include Uruguay and Peru has been considered possible, although the Vatican has not officially confirmed any of those stages.
In June, the president of the Argentine Episcopal Conference, Monsignor Marcelo Colombo, expressed his hope that the visit could take place. “I hope we will soon have some confirmation. We are pleased with the news from neighboring countries, such as Peru, and we hope that we too will soon receive that confirmation,” he stated.
Invitations and preparations
Contacts for a possible trip began shortly after the start of the pontificate. In January, Leo XIV received Cardinal Vicente Bokalic, archbishop of Santiago del Estero and primate of Argentina. After the audience, the archdiocese reported that the Pontiff had favorably received the invitation and that the possibility was being considered in his agenda.
Meanwhile, in Peru some preparations related to the eventual apostolic trip continue and, in Uruguay, the archbishop of Montevideo, Cardinal Daniel Sturla, has publicly expressed his conviction that the Pope will visit the country in November. However, the Holy See has not officially confirmed any visit to Argentina, Uruguay or Peru.