On behalf of Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, Archbishop of Luxembourg, and on my own behalf, I express our Christian condolences and the promise of our prayers to the bereaved family and the members of the staff of Archbishop Noël Treanor on his sudden death. 

The Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union was a competent, calm, open-minded and extremely amiable confrere, whose person and work deserve our highest recognition.

May he rest in the peace with the One who called him to follow him.

Luxembourg, August 12, 2024

+ Leo Wagener

Auxiliary Bishop of Luxembourg

PRESS RELEASE

COMECE mourns the death of Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union Mgr Noël Treanor

Archbishop Noël Treanor, Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union, passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2024, in Brussels, Belgium, at the age of 73. COMECE President Mgr. Crociata: “We have lost a true man of dialogue who passionately and creatively accompanied EU integration from a Catholic perspective.”

“With deep sorrow, we have learned of the passing of our brother, Monsignor Noel Treanor. On behalf of the Bishops of the European Union and of the staff at the COMECE Secretariat, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the staff of the Apostolic Nunciature to the EU, the faithful of his former Diocese of Down and Connor, and all those who mourn him,” stated H. E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of COMECE.

“Mgr. Treanor left an indelible mark on all of us. He was a tireless servant of God, a true man of dialogue, an accurate analyser and an exceptionally gifted speaker. In Northern Ireland, he was a fervant promoter of reconciliation and peace, acting as a bridge-builder between communities. As an enthusiast advocate of the European project as a means to achieve the common good, he later laid the foundations for COMECE’s development, bringing the voice of faith to the heart of the European Union and was a key contributor to the establishment of Article 17 TFEU as a tool for dialogue between the Churches and the EU.

When Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Nuncio to the EU in 2022, his vast experience greatly facilitated his diplomatic efforts, furthering collaboration between the EU and the Catholic Church. His passing is a significant loss for all of us, for the Church, and for the European Union”, continued Mgr. Crociata.

“Beyond his crucial role in fostering relations between the Church and the European Union and his work with COMECE, he was a close friend—always approachable, kind, and supportive to the entire COMECE Secretariat and Catholic organisations in Brussels. His loss is deeply felt by us all,” added Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, General Secretary of COMECE, reflecting on Mgr. Treanor’s long-standing service in Brussels.

His Excellency Mgr. Noël Treanor, Apostolic Nuncio to the EU, had profound knowledge of the workings of the European institutions, drawing from his extensive experience as General Secretary of COMECE (1993-2008), Delegate of the Irish Episcopate to COMECE (2009-2022), Vice-President of COMECE (2018-2022), and President of Justice and Peace Europe (2018-2022).

Born in Silverstream, Ireland, on December 25, 1950, he was ordained a priest in 1976 for the Diocese of Clogher. In March 1993, he was appointed General Secretary of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE). In February 2008, he was appointed Bishop of Down and Connor and was consecrated on June 29 of the same year.

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. We commend his soul into the merciful hands of God and pray that he may enjoy eternal rest.