Pope Francis Appoints Archbishop Mar Kurian Vayalungal as Apostolic Nuncio to Chile

Vatican City, 17 March 2025 – Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop Mar Kurian Mathew Vayalungal, hailing from the Diocese of Kottayam from the Syro-Malabar Church, as the new Apostolic Nuncio to Chile. The Pope confirmed the appointment while still undergoing medical care at a hospital.  

Archbishop Vayalungal has served as the Apostolic Nuncio to Algeria and Tunisia for the past five years. A native of Neendur parish, he was born on 4 August 1966. After earning a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome in 1998, he underwent diplomatic training at the Vatican and began his service in the Holy See’s diplomatic corps.  

His extensive diplomatic career includes assignments at the Apostolic Nunciatures in Guinea, Korea, the Dominican Republic, Bangladesh, Hungary, and Egypt. He also served as the Nuncio in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. In recognition of his contributions, he was elevated to the rank of Monsignor in 2001 and later to Prelate of Honour in 2011.  

The appointment as Nuncio to Chile underscores his years of dedicated service and expertise in ecclesiastical diplomacy.

By Catholic Connect Reporter