POPE Francis has appointed a priest originally from the Mid West as the papal nuncio to South Sudan.
Monsignor Séamus Horgan, a native of Ennis, was appointed to the role by Pope Francis.
Monsignor Horgan, currently based in Washington DC where he is the first councillor at the Apostolic Nunciature, has previously held Diplomatic Service of the Holy See rolls in Uganda, Switzerland, the Philippines, and Italy.
The Diocese of Killaloe welcomed the appointment, with Bishop of Killaloe Dr Fintan Monahan saying: “I warmly congratulate Monsignor Séamus Horgan on his appointment
by Pope Francis to be Nuncio to South Sudan, based in the city of Juba. He is also appointed to the titular See of Árd Sratha – Ardstraw, County Tyrone.”
“Monsignor Horgan brings a wealth of pastoral and practical experience with him to his new role. A conscientious, diligent, and prayerful pastor, his engagement with people is marked with great kindness and courtesy.”
Originally from Tobarteascáin in Ennis, County Clare, Monsignor Horgan studied at St Patrick’s College in Maynooth before being ordained to the priesthood in 1994.
Principal of St Flannan’s College in Ennis, where Monsignor Horgan went to secondary school, Fr Iggy McCormack said that the appointment is a first in many years for the school.
“This is the first time in many decades that a Papal Nuncio has emanated from our alumni. The students and staff of St Flannan’s College wish Monsignor Séamus the very best for the future,” Fr McCormack said.
