Giovanni Angelo Becciu

Who is Giovanni Angelo Becciu?

Giovanni Angelo Becciu was appointed Substitute for General Affairs by Pope Benedict XVI on 10 May 2011. Becciu had previously been nuncio to Cuba.

Becciu was born in 1948 in Pattada. After completing his studies in theology and philosophy he was ordained to the priesthood on 27 August 1972. He was invited to attend the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy to gain practical experience in diplomacy and at the same time a doctoral degree. After four years Becciu earned a doctoral degree in canon law and formally entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See on 1 May 1984. He worked at the Pontifical Representations in Central African Republic, Sudan, New Zealand, Liberia, United Kingdom, France and the United States. Becciu knows the French, English, Spanish and Portuguese languages.

On 15 October 2001, Pope John Paul II appointed him Apostolic Nuncio to Angola, at the same time as was customary elevating him as Titular Archbishop of Roselle. On 15 November of the same year he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio also to São Tomé and Principe.