Recently Appointed Apostolic Nuncio in Burkina Faso to Extend Diplomatic Role in Niger

Niamey, 12 September, 2025 / 10:45 PM

The representative of the Holy Father appointed on August 15 for Burkina Faso is to extend his diplomatic role in the West African nation of Niger.

The appointment of Mons. Eric Soviguidi as the Holy Father’s representative in Niger, was made public on Friday, September 12, by the Holy See Press Office.

The Archbishop-elect, a native of Benin, had been serving as permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) before the latest Papal appointments.

Born in Benin’s Catholic Diocese of Abomey in March 1971, Mons. Soviguidi was ordained a Priest in October 1998 and incardinated in the Catholic Archdiocese of Cotonou.

The graduate in Canon Law entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See in July 2005, and has since served in various Apostolic Nunciatures. These include Haiti, Ghana, Tanzania, Guatemala, in the Section for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Secretariat of State, and most recently at UNESCO as Permanent Observer.

He speaks a number of languages, including French, English, Italian, and Spanish.