Pope Leo XIV ordains Archbishop Mirosław Wachowski, Apostolic Nuncio to Iraq, in St. Peter’s Basilica, urging humility and peace in a land of ancient faith.
Newsroom (27/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a solemn Holy Mass on the XXX Sunday in Ordinary Time, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV presided over the episcopal ordination of Monsignor Mirosław Stanisław Wachowski, appointed Titular Archbishop of Villamagna di Proconsolare and Apostolic Nuncio to Iraq. The ceremony, held in St. Peter’s Basilica, marked a moment of joy for the universal Church as it welcomed a new bishop called to serve in a land rich with Christian heritage and marked by challenges.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the essence of the episcopal ministry, drawing from the day’s Gospel (Luke 18:9-14), which contrasts the self-righteous prayer of a Pharisee with the humble plea of a tax collector. “Humility,” the Pope emphasized, “is the first lesson for every bishop—a humility that dwells in the heart of one who knows he is a servant, not a master; a shepherd, not an owner of the flock.” He urged Archbishop Wachowski to embody this humility, noting that the prayer of the poor, as described in Sirach (35:15-22), “pierces the clouds” and reaches God’s heart.
The Holy Father highlighted the archbishop’s roots in Poland, where “lakes and forests” taught him contemplation, discipline, and fidelity. “From your contact with the earth, you have learned that fruitfulness comes from waiting and faithfulness,” the Pope said, likening the bishop’s role to that of a farmer who sows with patience and cultivates with hope. He also drew on the words of St. Paul (2 Timothy 4:7), encouraging the new bishop to “fight the good fight of faith” with gratitude and perseverance, relying on God’s strength.
Archbishop Wachowski, who has served in pontifical representations in Senegal, Poland, Vienna, and the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, was praised for his diplomatic service marked by “discretion, competence, and dedication.” Pope Leo XIV underscored the unique role of an Apostolic Nuncio, referencing St. Paul VI’s Sollicitudo omnium Ecclesiarum. “The Nuncio is not just any diplomat,” he said. “He is the face of a Church that accompanies, consoles, and builds bridges.”
The Pope acknowledged the rich diversity of Iraq’s Catholic communities, including the Chaldean, Syriac, Armenian, Greek, and Latin traditions, noting their ancient apostolic roots traced to St. Thomas and his disciples Addai and Mari. He recalled Pope Francis’ historic 2021 visit to Iraq, where he promoted fraternity and dialogue, and charged Archbishop Wachowski with continuing this mission. “In Iraq, the people will recognize you not by what you say, but by how you love,” he said.
The Holy Father concluded by entrusting the new archbishop’s mission to Mary, Queen of Peace, and the saints of Iraq, praying that his ministry reflect his chosen motto: Gloria Deo Pax Hominibus (“Glory to God, Peace to Men”). The Church, he said, joins in this prayer, asking that “the glory of God illuminate your path and the peace of Christ dwell wherever you place your footsteps.”
The ordination, attended by clergy, diplomats, and faithful from around the world, was a testament to the Church’s universal mission and its commitment to fostering peace and communion in regions of conflict and hope.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican.va
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