Confirmed: CDF official to become nuncio in Ireland

November 28, 2011

Confirming stories that had circulated late last week, the Vatican has announced the appointment of Msgr. Charles Brown as the next apostolic nuncio to Ireland.

The American priest will assume his new duties in January. He will assume the status of archbishop with the new post.

Archbishop-elect Brown, a New York native, has worked for years as an official of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, where he was a trusted aide to then-Cardinal Ratzinger. His appointment to the post in Dublin marks a sharp break from the usual practice of appointed seasoned Vatican diplomats as papal nuncios, and signals that Pope Benedict is taking a keen personal interest in the restoration of the Irish hierarchy.

Relations between the Vatican and the Irish government have been strained in recent months. But Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin noted that the incoming nuncio has a background as a theologian rather than a negotiator: another indication that his top priority will be ensuring the appointment of solid bishops to lead the Irish Church.

 

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Further information:

• New Papal Nuncio will take up post in January (Irish Independent)
• Other Pontifical Acts (VIS)
• Pope Benedict: CDF official Nuncio to Ireland (Vatican Radio)
• American priest to become papal nuncio in Ireland? (CWN, 11/25)