Vatican appoints new nuncio to Argentina as papal visit preparations advance

The Vatican has named Michael Wallace Banach as the new apostolic nuncio to Argentina, with his arrival expected in late July, likely around July 22. Banach, a U.S.-born diplomat with previous postings in Bolivia, Nigeria, and Hungary, will serve as the Holy See’s chief liaison with the Argentine government and bishops, overseeing protocol, logistics, security and the organization of a possible future papal trip.

The appointment is seen as a concrete sign that the Vatican is moving forward with plans for a papal visit, tentatively projected for the first week of November and expected to last about three days. Proposed sites include a large celebration on Buenos Aires’ 9 de Julio Avenue, a stop at the Basilica of Luján, and a possible stop in Córdoba to involve faithful from central and northern regions. The nuncio is also expected to meet President Javier Milei and coordinate with authorities in Uruguay as the Vatican explores extending the itinerary across neighboring countries.