“Be a channel of communication, peace”: Vatican Secretary of State to Apostolic Nuncio to Burkina Faso, Niger

He continued, “It will also be your duty to promote, as much as possible, cordial relations with civil authorities and representatives of other religious denominations, in order to promote, through constant engagement and incessant dialogue, initiatives that strengthen concord and contribute to the construction of peace.”

This mission, Cardinal Parolin said, “requires competence and anterior serenity, constancy and availability, generosity and diligence.”

“Indeed, for your presence to be a blessing for all and for your action to bear fruit, you must remain in joy. Not the superficial, ephemeral, and a little futile joy that the world offers, but the deep and unwavering joy that gives the risen Christ,” the Vatican-based Cardinal said.

He continued, “At this end, you must live immersed in prayer, which reveals in an incessant dialogue of love with God his foresight, and allows us to discern and accept his will.”

“While carrying out your mission, dear Monsignor Eric, be sure that he who calls you is truly faithful. He is the one who has chosen you so that you can announce to your brothers his name and his mercy,” Cardinal Parolin said.

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He emphasized that the Nuncio must support the weak, encourage the discouraged, defend human dignity without compromise, and uphold fundamental rights such as the right to life, religious freedom, and the conditions for a dignified existence—rights he described as “the true name of peace.”

Turning to the congregation, Cardinal Parolin urged Christians to imitate Christ with courage, remain joyful, pray without ceasing, move away from all evil, and give thanks in all circumstances.

He delivered a special appeal to young people, saying, “Do not be afraid to be different. Flee all forms of corruption and practices harmful to mind and body.”

“May the Immaculate Conception, Mother of God and first disciple of her divine Son, always accompany you and assist you in your steps. May Mary, Queen of the Apostles and Mother of the Church, make fruitful your journey and your mission. Amen,” Cardinal Parolin implored.

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 places as Nuncio. These include Haiti, Ghana, Tanzania, and in Guatemala. He has also served in the Section for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Secretariat of State, and most recently at UNESCO as Permanent Observer.

In his maiden speech as Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Soviguidi expressed appreciation to Pope Leo XIV for entrusting him with the mission of representing the Holy See in Burkina Faso and Niger. 

He also acknowledged the guidance and inspiration he received from previous Popes, Pope St. John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis, as well as from Cardinal Parolin, who presided over the ordination.

“My heart overflows with thanksgiving to the three-times-holy God, this God who is always faithful, the one who called me to serve him and who supported me at every step,” Archbishop Soviguidi said.

He reflected on the nature of his diplomatic and pastoral mission, stressing the importance of humility, persuasion, and “soft power” in representing the Holy See. 

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Archbishop Soviguidi pledged to serve as a channel of communication between the Church and local communities, promoting peace, justice, and solidarity.

“Through our mission, we do not exercise power by pressure or force, but by persuasion and humility. This is what I will strive to live in a humble and discreet way,” he said.

Archbishop Soviguidi requested prayers from all present, asking that God continue to guide him in his service to the Church and the peoples of Burkina Faso and Niger.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.