Michael Wallace Banach Begins Mission as Papal Nuncio in Argentina

Monseñor Michael Wallace Banach arrived in Buenos Aires on 22 July and will formally begin his duties as the papal nuncio to Argentina with a Mass at the Catedral Metropolitana. The ceremony, scheduled for 11:00 a.m., will include the presentation of his diplomatic credentials to Marcelo Colombo, president of the Argentine Episcopal Conference, and prayers for his service on behalf of Pope Leon XIV.

The event was attended by senior Argentine officials, including Vice‑President Victoria Villarruel, who participated in the welcome Mass while serving as interim head of the Executive during President Javier Milei’s foreign trip. Other participants included the nation’s secretary of Cult and Civilisation Agustín Caulo, the secretary‑general of the Buenos Aires government Fulvio Pompeo, and representatives of the provincial government of Buenos Aires. Banach replaces former nuncio Miroslaw Adamczyk and will act as the Holy See’s ambassador to both the Church and the Argentine State.