Former nuncio to NZ honoured before retirement

Archbishop Charles Balvo, who has been the Apostolic Nuncio to Australia since 2022, received a Doctor of the University (Honoris Causa) on June 17 at ACU’s Brisbane campus.

The honorary degree recognises Archbishop Balvo’s contributions to ecclesial governance, diplomacy and international relations, and his commitment to Australian Catholic University’s mission.

Archbishop Balvo leaves Australia next month following Pope Leo XIV’s acceptance of his resignation upon turning 75. He said receiving an honorary doctorate from ACU in his final days as nuncio to Australia was unexpected.

“I feel very honoured to receive the degree, just before I leave Australia to take up a new chapter in my life,” Archbishop Balvo said. “I value very much the educational contribution of Australian Catholic University in its role of promoting the mission of the Church, in the search for the truth on the journey of life.”

Before being appointed to Australia, Archbishop Balvo was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to New Zealand and several Pacific Island nations in 2005. His was one of the last diplomatic appointments made by St John Paul II, the day before he died.

“The vocation of an Apostolic Nuncio – a representative of the Holy Father – is a missionary vocation, showing a willingness and openness to be a part of his ministry as successor of the Apostle Peter and chief shepherd of the universal Church,” Archbishop Balvo said.

“In the words of Pope Leo XIV, ‘our role, our ministry is irreplaceable’ in the exercise of his own mission.”

Archbishop Balvo has spent a total of 40 years in the Holy See’s diplomatic mission – including 21 years as a papal nuncio – and served in Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Archbishop Balvo will return to New York next month and take up residence in a parish in Manhattan.

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ACU celebrates Apostolic Nuncio’s service (Melbourne Catholic)