Vatican Appoints Interim Chargé d’Affaires to South Sudan

Group Photo of Monsignor Marco Ganci, Bishop Santo Loku Pio and the priests who received him (Photo Credit: The Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa [AMECEA])

By: Ginaba Lino

The Holy See has appointed Monsignor Marco Ganci as Chargé d’Affaires at the Apostolic Nunciature in South Sudan, ensuring continuity in the Vatican’s diplomatic mission during the absence of Archbishop Séamus Patrick Horgan, who is undergoing medical treatment.

Msgr. Ganci arrived in Juba on Thursday, October 15, 2026, and was received by Bishop Santo Loku Pio, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Juba and General Overseer of the Catholic Bishops’ General Secretariat, alongside Father Romano Louis, Deputy Secretary General of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

Msgr. Ganci will serve at the Apostolic Nunciature until Archbishop Horgan is able to resume his duties.

Archbishop Horgan was appointed by Pope Francis on May 14, 2024, as the Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan, becoming the country’s first resident papal representative. As of October 2026, he has held the appointment for approximately two years and five months.

In a message delivered during the opening of the three-day Ecclesiastical Province Meeting of South Sudan Catholic Bishops in Juba in July 2026, Archbishop Horgan explained that he could not attend the gathering in person because of ongoing medical treatment.

“An unexpected medical diagnosis has necessitated my entering a cycle of treatment which will last some months. The medical professionals I have consulted are optimistic that the suggested treatments will bring a positive outcome and permit a full resumption of duties again,” he said in his statement read in Juba.

The Archbishop did not disclose the specific diagnosis in the statement reported read by the secretary, Fr. Tito Fuokpio. He expressed optimism about his recovery and assured the bishops that the work of the Apostolic Nunciature would continue uninterrupted through local collaborators and a temporary representative appointed by the Holy See.

The appointment of Msgr. Ganci follows that commitment, providing interim leadership at the Vatican’s diplomatic mission while Archbishop Horgan continues his treatment.

The Apostolic Nunciature represents the Holy See in its diplomatic relations with South Sudan and maintains links with the local Catholic Church and national authorities.

During his July message, Archbishop Horgan also urged Catholic bishops to provide spiritual leadership, promote the common good and offer hope to South Sudanese facing insecurity, displacement, poverty and limited access to essential services.

He called on Church leaders to remain a source of unity and to uphold human dignity, justice and peace as the country confronts continuing social and political challenges.

The Holy See has not indicated a permanent replacement for Archbishop Horgan. Msgr. Ganci’s appointment is temporary and is intended to maintain the operation of the Apostolic Nunciature during the archbishop’s absence.

Source: https://communications.amecea.org/index.php/2026/10/17/south-sudan-vatican-appoints-interim-charge-daffaires-to-south-sudan/