(JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN) – The Holy See has appointed Monsignor Marco Ganci as Chargé d’Affaires at the Apostolic Nunciature in South Sudan, maintaining the Vatican’s diplomatic presence while Archbishop Séamus Patrick Horgan receives medical treatment abroad.
Ganci arrived in Juba on 15th October 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, according to the Catholic Radio Network for South Sudan and Nuba Mountains .
Ganci will serve at the Apostolic Nunciature until Archbishop Horgan can resume his duties. The appointment is temporary, and the Holy See has not indicated a permanent replacement.
Archbishop Horgan was appointed by Pope Francis on 14th May 2024 as Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan, becoming the country’s first resident papal representative, according to the Holy See Press Office . As of October 2026, he has held the appointment for about two years and five months.
In a message read during the opening of the three-day Ecclesiastical Province Meeting of South Sudan Catholic Bishops in Juba in July 2026, Archbishop Horgan said he could not attend 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, according to the Catholic Radio Network .
The Archbishop did not disclose the specific diagnosis in the statement, which was read by the secretary, Father Tito Fuokpio. He expressed optimism about his recovery and assured the bishops that the work of the Apostolic Nunciature would continue through local collaborators and a temporary representative appointed by the Holy See.
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.
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