Gänswein, former secretary to Benedict XVI, could be named nuncio to France

Archbishop Georg Gänswein, the former private secretary of Benedict XVI, was received in audience by Pope Leo XIV on September 5, 2026. The meeting has prompted speculation that Gänswein could be appointed apostolic nuncio to France, replacing the current nuncio, Archbishop Celestino Migliore, who reaches retirement age on July 1, 2027.

The Holy See gave no details about what the pope and Gänswein discussed. The German archbishop's future has drawn attention in recent months. Gänswein, 70, could leave his current post as nuncio to the Baltic states to take up a role in Paris, one of the nunciatures that could become vacant in the near future.

Language and diplomatic experience

The German Catholic news agency KNA said Gänswein's command of French, one of four languages he speaks fluently, is an important factor, given the complexity of Church-state relations in France. He also has experience in the Vatican.

The September 5 meeting was not the first between Gänswein and Leo XIV. The archbishop met the pope in June 2025 during a gathering of papal representatives, and again in a private audience later that year. Gänswein has said he is pleased with the change of atmosphere in the Vatican since the election of Leo XIV, saying that "normality is gradually returning."

Possible impact on French Catholicism

Gänswein, long associated with the memory of Benedict XVI, has backed greater openness toward Catholics who prefer the older Roman liturgy. Liturgical questions are especially sensitive in France. On his 70th birthday he described the pope as a "prudent and intelligent" leader, able to deal with problems effectively.

Leo XIV is due to visit France from September 25 to 28, with stops planned in Paris, Saint-Denis, Lourdes and Metz. France was not mentioned during the September 5 audience. The meeting could fit within a nuncio's ordinary diplomatic work, which includes briefing the pope on the situation of the Church in the countries he represents.

Gänswein withdrew from public life for a period after the death of Benedict XVI and appears to have regained a role under the current pope.