US Archbishop Michael Banach named Apostolic Nuncio to Argentina

The Holy See has appointed American Archbishop Michael W. Banach as Apostolic Nuncio to Argentina.

Archbishop Banach, titular Archbishop of Memphis, had been serving as nuncio to Hungary prior to the new posting. His reassignment signals the Vatican’s trust in his diplomatic experience as he takes up a key role in Latin America.

As nuncio, he will act as the Vatican’s diplomatic representative in Argentina, facilitating relations with the government while also serving as a vital link between the Holy See and the Argentine Catholic hierarchy.

The role is particularly significant given Argentina’s historical and ecclesial importance, including its place as the home country of Pope Francis.

In June 2022, Pope Francis appointed him apostolic nuncio in Hungary. Prior to that, he served in Senegal, Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde as nuncio, and apostolic delegate in Mauritania.

Prior to that string of appointments, he was nuncio to Papua New Guinea for three years. He has been in the Vatican diplomatic service since 1994.