The graduate of Canon Law has been in the diplomatic service of the Holy See since July 2003.
He has previously served at the pontifical representations in Ecuador and Hungary as well as in the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State.
The holder of a Licentiate in Theology once served as the Holy See Permanent Observer at the Organization of American States (O.A.S.), according to the Holy See Press Office February 5 report.
The Archbishop who is considered fluent in English, Spanish and Italian, and with a working knowledge of French routinely acted as the translator for Pope Francis during his visits to countries around the globe.
Following his February 5 appointment as Apostolic Nuncio in Benin, the Gibraltar Chronicle quoted Archbishop Miles as saying, “I am honored and humbled by the Holy Father’s confidence in appointing me to be his representative to the Republic of Benin.”
He added, “My gratitude goes out to my beloved family, thinking of my late parents William and Mary Miles, and to all my friends and loved ones who have supported me on life’s journey and have helped me on the path of faith and vocation.”
He also expressed his appreciation to the members of the Clergy of Gibraltar Diocese saying, “I thank my brother Priests of the Diocese of Gibraltar and especially Bishops past and present who have, in different ways, been fatherly towards me.”
“I extend deep gratitude to everyone in Gibraltar, a community distinguished by tolerance, warmth and unique hospitality,” the Nuncio further said and added, “I commend this ministry to the intercession of Our Lady of Europe and to the prayers of the Saints close to my heart so that I may give honor to God and fulfil the work he has entrusted to me.”
On his part, Bishop Carmel Zammit of Gibraltar Diocese assured the Vatican diplomat of the prayers of the people of God of his native Diocese.
“I have no doubt that Msgr. Mark will be supported by the prayers of all of us in Gibraltar in this important ministry he will be undertaking on behalf of the Holy Father as his diplomatic representative in the Republic of Benin,” Bishop Zammit said.
