Archbishop Georg Gänswein is the current Apostolic Nuncio to the Baltic countries and former personal secretary to Pope Benedict XVI.
Newsroom, June 17, 2025, Gaudium Press – Much has been said about the warmth and enthusiasm surrounding the recent encounter between Pope Leo XIV and Archbishop Georg Gänswein, age 68, the current Apostolic Nuncio to the Baltic countries and former personal secretary to Pope Benedict XVI. Their meeting occurred naturally during an audience the Pope held with the Holy See’s diplomatic representatives—but the moment was rich in symbolism, particularly given Gänswein’s past tensions with the previous pontiff.
His relationship with the new Pope, along with other important topics, was addressed in a recent interview the Nuncio gave to EWTN, excerpts of which were covered by Die Tagespost.
In front of EWTN’s cameras, Archbishop Gänswein noted a “new atmosphere” in Rome, which was already apparent during the gathering of papal nuncios: “The atmosphere is both peaceful and welcoming,” he said—an impression shared by many others.
Speaking more specifically about Pope Leo XIV, he remarked: “The first impression was surprising and very positive—not only because he has returned to wearing the stole and the mozzetta [editor’s note: a short red cape worn over the chest during formal non-liturgical occasions], but also because of the way he presents himself.”
Naturally, the conversation turned to the tensions that marked the previous pontificate, especially after the release of Gänswein’s memoir, “Nothing But the Truth – My Life Beside Benedict XVI”—though that was not the sole source of difficulty.
The Archbishop contradicted the media narrative of an ongoing rupture:“There were some difficulties, some tensions, but these had already been resolved by January 2024.”
In June of that year, he was appointed to his current post as nuncio, and a subsequent audience in November, he says, deepened the reconciliation with Pope Francis:“I was also able to pray at the tomb of Pope Francis. That completed the reconciliation,” he shared.
When asked about the war in Ukraine, Gänswein reflected on its nearness to his current assignment: “There is a real presence of war.” He emphasized that the Church brings hope—not just to Catholics but to all affected.
Although he now serves in the Holy See’s diplomatic corps, Archbishop Gänswein affirmed that he still carries Benedict XVI’s legacy at the heart of his mission:“We must not waste that great gift.”
Far from feeling burdened by that legacy, he said: “It doesn’t worry me at all,” in reference to being seen as someone closely tied to it.
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
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