Eric Soviguidi
| His Excellency, The Most Reverend Eric Soviguidi | |
|---|---|
| Apostolic Nuncio to Burkina Faso and Niger Titular Archbishop of Pumentum | |
| Appointed | 15 August 2025 |
| Predecessor | Giancarlo Dellagiovanna |
| Other post | Titular Archbishop of Pumentum |
| Previous post | Permanent Observer of the Holy See to UNESCO (2021-2025) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 10 October 1998 |
| Consecration | 15 November 2025 by Pietro Parolin, Fortunatus Nwachukwu and Roger Houngbédji |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 21 March 1971 Abomey, Benin |
Eric Soviguidi (born 21 March 1971) is a Beninese prelate of the Catholic Church who works in the diplomatic service of the Holy See.
Biography
Eric Soviguidi was born on 21 March 1971 in Abomey, Benin. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Cotonou on 10 October 1998. He holds a Doctorate in Canon Law. He is reported to be fluent in several languages, including French, English, Spanish and Italian.[1]
Diplomatic career
He entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See on 1 July 2005, and has served at the apostolic nunciatures in Haiti, Ghana, Tanzania, Guatemala, and at the Section for Relations with States of the Secretariat of State. On 30 November 2021, Pope Francis appointed him Permanent Observer of the Holy See to UNESCO.[1]
On 15 August 2025, Pope Leo XIV appointed him as Titular Archbishop of Pumentum and Apostolic Nuncio to Burkina Faso.[2][3]
On 12 September 2025, he was given the additional responsibilities for Niger.[4] He was consecrated bishop at Cotonou, Benin on 15 November 2025 by Cardinal Pietro Cardinal Parolin, Cardinal-Bishop of Santi Simone e Giuda Taddeo a Torre Angela assisted by Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Titular Archbishop of Aquaviva and Roger Houngbédji, Archbishop of Cotonou.[5]
See also
References
- Back to citation occurrence 1.0 Back to citation occurrence 1.1 Vatican Press Office (30 November 2021). "Appointment of Holy See Permanent Observer at UNESCO". Vatican Press Office. Vatican City. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- Back to citation Vatican Press Office (15 August 2025). "Appointment of the Apostolic Nuncio to Burkina Faso" (Translated from the original Italian language). Vatican Press Office. Vatican City. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- Back to citation Jude Atemanke (15 August 2025). "Pope Leo XIV Appoints Native of Benin as Apostolic Nuncio to Burkina Faso". ACI Africa. Nairobi, Kenya. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- Back to citation Jude Atemanke (12 September 2025). "Recently Appointed Apostolic Nuncio in Burkina Faso to Extend Diplomatic Role in Niger". ACI Africa. Nairobi, Kenya. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- Back to citation ZENIT (10 November 2025). "Cotonou prepares for the ordination of Bishop Éric Soviguidi" (Translated from the original French language). ZENIT.org. Rome, Italy. Retrieved 16 November 2025.