Irish archbishop and apostolic nuncio to EU Noël Treanor dies at 73

Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union Archbishop Noël Treanor at the EU council headquarters on May 27, 2024, in Brussels, Belgium. / Credit: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images

CNA Staff, Aug 12, 2024 / 12:19 pm (CNA).

Archbishop Noël Treanor, the Irish prelate who had served as apostolic nuncio to the European Union since 2023, died of a heart attack on Sunday at age 73. 

Before being appointed nuncio in late 2022, Treanor served as bishop of the Diocese of Down and Connor. With his new role, Pope Francis also conferred upon him the personal title of archbishop.

Down and Connor Bishop Alan McGuckian said on Monday that Treanor “continuously dedicated and devoted his life to the proclamation of the Gospel, to the pastoral care of the vulnerable, and to the social mission of the Church.” 

“As we give thanks to God for the years of ministry and service of Archbishop Noël Treanor, we entrust him to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I commend his soul into the hands of God and pray that he may enjoy eternal rest,” the bishop said. 

Treanor was born on Christmas Day 1950 in County Monaghan. He studied at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and was ordained on June 13, 1976.

He served numerous roles in the succeeding decades including as curate and hospital chaplain in Monaghan and as coordinator of the Clogher diocesan assembly of clergy. 

He was appointed to the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union in 1989; in 1993 he was appointed secretary-general. 

He was consecrated as bishop of Down and Connor by Cardinal Seán Brady in 2008. He held that title until Pope Francis appointed him apostolic nuncio on Nov. 26, 2022.

McGuckian said on Monday that Treanor “will be remembered as a tremendously gifted academic, a proficient modern linguist, and a highly skilled diplomat.” 

“Throughout his ministry, Archbishop Noël exhibited a wonderful capacity to situate the concerns and challenges faced by the Church within a broader European and global context,” the bishop said. 

The prelate will also “be fondly remembered within the Diocese of Down and Connor,” McGuckian said. 

“He opened his heart to the people of this diocese and they warmly welcomed him in return,” he said.

The bishop leaves behind a brother and sister as well as other family members.