The Apostolic Nunciature in Uganda has announced the appointment of Archbishop Tomasz Grysa, a new papal representative to the country, offering Ugandan Catholics a glimpse into the life and credentials of a seasoned Vatican diplomat now tasked with strengthening ties between the Holy See and Uganda.
In a statement addressed to Catholic media, Pope Leo XIV appointed His Excellency Most Rev. Tomasz Grysa, Titular Archbishop of Rubicon, as the new Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda.
Archbishop Tomasz Grysa will now replace Archbishop Luigi Bianco who was apostolic nuncio to Uganda from 2019 until May 2025 when the pope sent him to Slovenia and Kosovo.
The appointment places Archbishop Grysa at the center of the Vatican’s diplomatic and pastoral mission in the country, where he will serve as the Pope’s official representative to both the Church and the state.
Archbishop Grysa brings with him a wealth of international diplomatic experience built over more than two decades in the service of the Holy See. Prior to his new assignment, he served as Apostolic Nuncio to Madagascar, Seychelles, and the Republic of Mauritius, while also acting as Apostolic Delegate to Comoros and La Réunion. These roles positioned him as a key liaison between the Vatican and multiple island nations, navigating both ecclesiastical responsibilities and diplomatic relations.
Born on October 16, 1970, in Poznań, Poland, Archbishop Grysa’s journey into priesthood began in his home country. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Poznań on May 25, 1995, marking the beginning of a vocation that would later extend far beyond parish ministry into the global arena of Vatican diplomacy.
His academic background further underscores his qualifications for the role. The Archbishop holds a doctorate in Canon Law, a discipline central to the governance and legal framework of the Catholic Church. This expertise has been instrumental throughout his diplomatic career, particularly in navigating complex ecclesiastical and international matters.
Archbishop Grysa entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See on July 1, 2001. Since then, he has served in various pontifical representations across the world, gaining exposure to diverse political, cultural, and religious contexts. His assignments have included postings in the Russian Federation, India, Belgium, Mexico, Brazil, and the United Nations Permanent Mission in New York.
In addition to these, he also served in Israel and within the Apostolic Delegation in Jerusalem and Palestine—regions known for their intricate religious and geopolitical dynamics. These experiences have helped shape him into a diplomat capable of engaging in sensitive interfaith and international dialogue.
His appointment as Apostolic Nuncio to Madagascar in September 2022 marked his elevation to one of the highest levels of Vatican diplomatic service. He was subsequently entrusted with additional responsibilities in Seychelles and Mauritius in early 2023, further expanding his regional influence and demonstrating the Holy See’s confidence in his leadership.
Beyond his diplomatic and academic credentials, Archbishop Grysa is also noted for his linguistic versatility. In addition to his native Polish, he is fluent in Italian, French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian. This multilingual ability is expected to be a valuable asset in Uganda’s diverse and internationally connected Catholic community.
As Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Grysa will play a dual role—serving as the Vatican’s ambassador to Uganda while also acting as a bridge between the Pope and the local Catholic Church. His responsibilities will include fostering relations with government authorities, supporting the Ugandan episcopate, and contributing to the appointment of bishops.
The announcement, signed by Rev. Fr. Georges Kwami Kouvonou, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., signals a new chapter in Vatican-Uganda relations. It also introduces Ugandan Catholics to a diplomat-priest whose global experience and ecclesiastical grounding position him to take on one of the Church’s most significant representational roles in the country.
With his appointment, Archbishop Tomasz Grysa now steps into a role that combines spiritual leadership with diplomatic engagement—an intersection that will define his mission as he begins his service among Ugandan Catholics.
Last year, Pope Leo appointed a Ugandan born priest as a Bishop in America. (See Details Here and There).
You can also read the truth about reports that Pope Leo was a chaplain at St Leo’s Kyegobe in Uganda’s Fort Portal City Here and There.
