Pope Francis names American archbishop as new apostolic nuncio to Manila

The Vatican has announced the appointment of an American archbishop as new apostolic nuncio to the Philippines.

On Sept. 28, Pope Francis named Archbishop Charles John Brown, currently apostolic nuncio to Albania, to head the Holy See’s diplomatic mission to the Philippines.

The post of apostolic nuncio to Manila has been vacant since Nov. 16, 2019, when Pope Francis transferred Italian Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia as head of the Holy See’s Permanent Observer mission to the United Nations in New York.



Archbishop Brown was born on Oct. 13, 1959, and was ordained priest of New York Archdiocese on May 13, 1989.

Before going to Rome, he worked as assistant parish priest at St. Brendan’s Church in the Bronx.

In September 2009, he was appointed adjunct secretary of the International Theological Commission, which helps the Holy See, primarily the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, in examining doctrinal questions of major importance.

On Nov. 26, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Father Brown as Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, elevating him to the dignity of archbishop.

Pope Benedict ordained him bishop on Epiphany Day, Jan. 6, 2012, and Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Nuncio to Albania on March 9, 2017.

The 60-year-old American prelate will represent the Holy See in government functions in the Philippines and will play a crucial role in the selection of bishops for the country.

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