Msgr. Michael Banach to become Archbishop

Msgr. Michael Banach to become Archbishop

Will be appointed as a Papal Nuncio in the Vatican Diplomatic Service

FEBRUARY 25, 2013, WORCESTER, MA -- Most Rev. Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, has announced that Pope Benedict XVI has named Monsignor Michael W. Banach, a Vatican diplomat, to be an apostolic nuncio, with the title of archbishop. A priest of the Diocese of Worcester, Msgr. Banach has been in the diplomatic service since 1994. His most recent position has been permanent representative of the Holy See to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization in Vienna, Austria.

The Vatican Information Service reported Friday that the Pope appointed Msgr. Banach titular archbishop of Memphis, Egypt, at the same time assigning him the office of apostolic nuncio.

“I’m very happy for Monsignor that he has served the Church well in the diplomatic service and I’m very pleased that one of our own priests is able to serve the needs of the universal Church in a sensitive and important capacity,” Bishop McManus said.

Msgr. Banach will be ordained a bishop with the title archbishop, Bishop McManus explained. He said that Memphis is an ancient see in Egypt, one of the dioceses from the early days of the Church that was suppressed.

“I think it’s an honor for the diocese that the Holy Father has recognized his capabilities and expertise. It’s a personal honor for him and the diocese, and a big responsibility,” Bishop McManus said.
Msgr. Banach was born the son of Wallace and Jane Banach. He grew up in Auburn and attended Pakachoag Elementary School and Auburn High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy at the College of the Holy Cross, then studied for the priesthood at the North American College in Rome. He was ordained a priest by Bishop Harrington in St. Paul Cathedral. He served as associate pastor at St. Anne Parish in Shrewsbury before beginning studies in Rome in 1992 at the Gregorian University and earned a doctorate in Canon Law in 1994.

Msgr. Banach joined the Vatican Diplomatic Service following his studies in Rome. He was named a chaplain to His Holiness which carries the title of Monsignor in 1996 by Pope John Paul II and later named a Prelate of Honor in 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI. He served in Bolivia and Nigeria and worked in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria as desk officer for Central Europe for the Vatican Secretary of State.

His assignment as a papal nuncio will be announced at a later date.
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