Archbishop Jan Romeo Pawlowski has been selected by Pope Leo XIV to serve as the new Apostolic Nuncio to the Catholic Church in Ireland, taking over the diplomatic post vacated by Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor’s retirement in July. The appointment changes the Holy See’s representation in Dublin, bringing a diplomat with extensive experience in international nunciatures to the role.
Diplomatic Background of Archbishop Pawlowski
Born in Poland in 1960 and ordained as a priest in 1985, Archbishop Pawlowski brings a background rooted in canon law and global diplomacy. He earned a PhD in canon law, completing his studies between 1991 and 2009. His career within the Holy See’s diplomatic service has included postings in the Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Thailand, Brazil, and France.
In 2009, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio, serving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Gabon. His career later transitioned into central administrative roles at the Vatican; he served as Delegate for the Pontifical Representations starting in 2015 and as Secretary for the Pontifical Representations from 2020. Before this appointment to Ireland, he served as the Apostolic Nuncio to Greece, an assignment he began in 2022. He is fluent in six languages: Italian, French, Russian, English, German, and Portuguese.
Irish Episcopal Reaction
The news of the appointment was welcomed by the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Archbishop Eamon Martin, President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Primate of All Ireland, expressed his support for the incoming diplomat. "I pray God’s blessings on Archbishop Pawlowski and look forward to meeting with him when he takes up his appointment in Ireland in the near future," Archbishop Martin stated.
Archbishop Pawlowski Succeeds Archbishop Montemayor as Nuncio
When did the previous Nuncio retire?
Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor retired from his position as Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland in July.
What is the role of an Apostolic Nuncio?
An Apostolic Nuncio serves as the diplomatic representative of the Holy See to a specific country, acting as a liaison between the Pope and the local Catholic Church, as well as maintaining official relations with the national government.
Where has Archbishop Pawlowski served previously?
Before his appointment to Ireland, he served in several nunciatures across Africa, Asia, and South America, and held senior administrative positions within the Holy See in Rome. Most recently, he served as the Apostolic Nuncio to Greece.