nuncio

[ nuhn-shee-oh, -see-oh, noon- ]

noun

, plural nun·ci·os.

1. a diplomatic representative of the pope at a foreign court or capital: equal in status to an ambassador.

nuncio

/ -sɪ-; ˈnʌnʃɪˌəʊ /

noun

1. RC Church a diplomatic representative of the Holy See, ranking above an internuncio and esp having ambassadorial status

Word History and Origins

Origin of nuncio¹

1520–30; < Italian nuncio, nunzio < Latin nūncius, nūntius messenger

Word History and Origins

Origin of nuncio¹

C16: via Italian from Latin nuntius messenger

Example Sentences

Strickland said he was asked not to attend the meeting by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, who as papal nuncio is Pope Francis’ diplomatic representative to the United States.

From Seattle Times

Cardinal Christophe Pierre, who as papal nuncio is Pope Francis’ diplomatic representative to the United States, acknowledged tensions over the recently concluded synod but took a positive tone.

From Seattle Times

Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Vatican nuncio or ambassador to the U.S., said the process echoes Pope Francis’ goal of getting beyond ideology.

From Seattle Times

“A lot of it goes to bishops and nuncios with only a tiny fraction going to priests and sisters,” Small said.

From Seattle Times

Ortega kicked out the papal nuncio, the Vatican’s top diplomat in March.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• delegate
• diplomat
• emissary
• minister
• representative