The appointment of Bernardito Cleopas Auza as Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union on 22 March 2025 marked the latest milestone in a career dedicated to the diplomatic service of the Holy See.
Early Formation and Education
Born on 10 June 1959 in Balintawak, Talibon, Bohol, Bernardito Auza is the eighth of twelve children born to Meliton Garcia Auza and Magdalena Polestico Cleopas. His initial studies took place in Talibon before he transitioned to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Tagbilaran City. He subsequently moved to Manila, attending the University of Santo Tomas to secure a Licentiate in Philosophy in 1981, followed by a Licentiate in Theology and a Masters in Education in 1986. Bishop Daniel Francis Walsh ordained him as a priest on 29 June 1985. His advanced academic path included a Licentiate in Canon Law in 1989 and a Doctorate in Sacred Theology in 1990 from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, alongside training at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.
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His early career involved postings in Madagascar and the South Indian Ocean from 1990 to 1993, followed by work in Bulgaria and Albania. Between 1999 and 2006, he served within the Secretariat of State in the Section for Relations with States, before joining the Permanent Mission of the Holy See to the UN until 2008. On 8 May 2008, Pope Benedict XVI named him Titular Archbishop of Suacia and Apostolic Nuncio to Haiti. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone consecrated him as a bishop on 3 July 2008.
Representing the Holy See at the United Nations
In 2014, Pope Francis appointed Auza as the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York, a role he held until 2019. Concurrent with this duty, he served as the Permanent Observer to the Organization of American States starting in July 2014. During his tenure at the UN, he advocated for a definition of the rule of law grounded in natural law, emphasizing human dignity, due process, and the presumption of innocence. He also addressed international terrorism, calling for stronger juridical frameworks to facilitate collective responsibility in protecting populations from aggression.
European Nunciature
Upon concluding his term with the Organization of American States on 31 August 2019, Auza received new mandates from Pope Francis. On 1 October 2019, he became the apostolic nuncio to Spain and Andorra. He held these positions until his transition to his current role as nuncio to the European Union in March 2025. He maintains a connection to the Priestly Fraternities of Saint Dominic throughout his diplomatic service.
Fast facts
- Born: 10 June 1959, Talibon, Philippines
- Ordained: 29 June 1985
- Titular Archbishop: 2008
- Nuncio to Haiti: 2008-2014
- Permanent Observer to the UN: 2014-2019
- Nuncio to Spain and Andorra: 2019-2025
- Nuncio to the European Union: 2025-present
- Citizenship: Philippines and Vatican City
Questions readers ask
What is Bernardito Auza's current position?
He serves as the Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union, a role he assumed on 22 March 2025.
Where did he receive his doctoral degree?
He earned his Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in 1990.
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