Vatican Appoints New Apostolic Nuncio to Sri Lanka as Diplomatic Ties Mark 50 Years
The Vatican has appointed a new Apostolic Nuncio to Sri Lanka, underscoring the strengthening relationship between the Holy See and the island nation as the two mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.
On January 31, 2026, the Holy See announced the appointment of Archbishop Andrzej Józwowicz as Apostolic Nuncio to Sri Lanka. His appointment comes as Sri Lanka and the Vatican commemorate the golden jubilee of formal diplomatic ties, established in September 1975.
Archbishop Józwowicz brings extensive pastoral and diplomatic experience to his new mission. Born in Poland on January 14, 1965, he was ordained a priest in 1990 and later incardinated into the Diocese of Łowicz in 1992. He entered the Holy See’s diplomatic service and previously served as Apostolic Nuncio to Rwanda from 2017 and to Iran from 2021.
He succeeds Archbishop Brian Udaigwe, who served as Apostolic Nuncio to Sri Lanka from 2020 to 2025. Archbishop Udaigwe concluded his mission on May 31 and has since taken up his new assignment as Apostolic Nuncio to Ethiopia.
During his five-year tenure, Archbishop Udaigwe was widely appreciated for his close engagement with the local Church. He visited dioceses across Sri Lanka, strengthening ties with bishops, clergy, religious, and lay faithful, while conveying the Holy Father’s message of solidarity, compassion, and hope.
Diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Holy See were formally established on September 6, 1975, with the Apostolic Nunciature based in Colombo.
As part of the 50th-anniversary commemorations, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met last November with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations. During the meeting, Archbishop Gallagher conveyed Pope Francis’ blessings to the people of Sri Lanka.
Reports also indicate that the Sri Lankan government has extended an invitation for a papal visit to mark the jubilee year. A senior Vatican diplomat has since confirmed that such a visit remains a possibility, reflecting the deepening diplomatic and pastoral ties between the two nations.
