By Bonface Mulyungi

The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Archbishop Bert Van Megen, who has served as Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya since 2019, as the new Apostolic Nuncio to Germany.

The appointment, officially announced in Rome on April 9, 2026, at 12 noon (1 p.m. Kenyan time), marks the close of a deeply impactful diplomatic and pastoral mission in Kenya and opens a new chapter of ecclesial service in Europe, with residence in Berlin.

For many in Kenya, Archbishop van Megen has become a familiar and respected figure since his arrival in 2019. Serving as the Holy See’s diplomatic representative, he has worked quietly yet effectively at the intersection of faith and public life—strengthening ties between the Vatican and the Kenyan Church, while also engaging national leaders and communities on issues ranging from peacebuilding to social justice.

Those who have encountered him often describe a pastor-diplomat: someone equally at ease in formal state settings and grassroots parish visits. His tenure in Kenya has been marked by attentiveness to local realities, encouragement of the Church’s mission, and a steady presence during moments of both challenge and hope.

His appointment to Germany places him in a very different context. The Church in Germany stands at a crossroads, navigating complex conversations about faith, identity, and reform within a rapidly changing society. As Apostolic Nuncio based in Berlin, Archbishop van Megen will play a key role in fostering dialogue between the Vatican and the local Church, while also representing the Holy See to the German government.

The transition also highlights the broader vision of Pope Leo XIV, whose leadership continues to emphasize experienced diplomacy grounded in pastoral sensitivity.

By entrusting Archbishop van Megen with this new responsibility, the Holy Father signals confidence in his ability to bridge cultures and respond to the evolving needs of the Church in Europe.

Back in Kenya, his departure will undoubtedly be felt. Yet, it also leaves behind a legacy of strengthened relationships and a reminder of the universal nature of the Church—where service in one part of the world prepares the ground for mission in another.

As Archbishop van Megen prepares to begin his new role in Germany, many will watch with gratitude for his past service and hope for the impact he will bring to this next chapter.