It is with a profound sense of shock and sadness that I learned yesterday of the death of Archbishop Noël Treanor. As a priest of the Diocese of Clogher, as Bishop of the Diocese of Down and Connor and in later years as Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union, Archbishop Treanor continuously dedicated and devoted his life to the proclamation of the Gospel, to the pastoral care of the vulnerable and to the social mission of the Church.
I know that you will join me in praying for Archbishop Noël Treanor and in offering his brother John, his sister Mary, and his wider family and friends, and all who knew and loved him, our heartfelt condolences and our prayers over the days ahead.
Archbishop Noël was born into the parish of Tyholland and grew up in Co Monaghan. Indeed, he often recalled with great affection stories and memories of his childhood, his family and friends, and his priestly ministry as a curate, hospital chaplain and Director of Adult Education within his beloved Diocese of Clogher.
Archbishop Treanor will be remembered as a tremendously gifted academic, a proficient modern linguist, and a highly skilled diplomat. His comprehensive knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching and his adept understanding of European Union legislation and policy led to his appointment to the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) in 1989, a post he held until his Ordination as Bishop of Down and Connor in 2008.
Throughout his ministry, Archbishop Noël exhibited a wonderful capacity to situate the concerns and challenges faced by the Church within a broader European and global context. I particularly commend his work over the years as President of ‘Justice and Peace Europe’ where he sought to remind others to look beyond their personal circumstances and to be more responsive to the needs of their global sisters and brothers, especially those living in destitution, slavery and conflict. Archbishop Noël was also keenly alert to supporting the ongoing peace process in Northern Ireland and to progress ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, seeking to strengthen and build upon established relationships with other Christian churches and world religions through respectful dialogue and personal friendship.
Archbishop Noël will be fondly remembered within the Diocese of Down and Connor. He opened his heart to the people of this diocese and they warmly welcomed him in return. Speaking as he left the diocese in 2023 to take up his appointment as Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Treanor movingly recalled how his 14 years of ministry in Down and Connor were graced in numerous ways and that he was deeply inspired by the faith, hope, friendship and resilience of the people.
I count it as a personal blessing to have worked closely alongside Archbishop Noël, especially when, as Bishop of Down and Connor, he initiated a diocesan-wide programme of discernment and pastoral renewal back in 2012 entitled the ‘Living Church’. This pastoral programme, insightfully marked by active listening, lay participation and parish engagement, forged a strong foundation for the ongoing work of addressing the pastoral and sacramental needs of the diocese.
With dedication and service, Archbishop Treanor returned in 2023 to Brussels as Pope Francis’ Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union. This appointment came at a time when the world and the EU faced great challenges. At the same time, Archbishop Treanor had a deeply held personal conviction that in the midst of war, political and financial instability, conflict and societal change, diplomacy would play a pivotal role in facilitating peace and reconciliation.
As we give thanks to God for the years of ministry and service of Archbishop Noël Treanor, we entrust him to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I commend his soul into the hands of God and pray that he may enjoy eternal rest.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.
ENDS
Notes for Editors
Biography of Archbishop Noël Treanor
Archbishop Noel Treanor was born on 25th December 1950 in Monaghan town.
He grew up in the parish of Tyholland, where he attended Leitrim National School and St. Brigid’s National School before completing his early education at St. Mary’s Christian Brothers School, Monaghan. He pursued his third level education at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth and in Rome.
He was ordained a priest in 1976 for service in the diocese of Clogher in St Macartan’s Cathedral, Monaghan. In his years of service in Clogher he served as curate and hospital chaplain in Monaghan town and in Enniskillen, as Director of Adult Education and in 1986 as Coordinator the Diocesan Assembly of Clergy. He was a member of the Council for European Affairs of the Irish Bishops Conference.
He was appointed to the staff of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) in 1989. On 31st March 1993 he was appointed Secretary General of COMECE, a post he continued to hold until his appointment by Pope Benedict XVI as Bishop of Down and Connor.
He was ordained a bishop in St Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast, on 29th June 2008.
At the March 2018 plenary meeting of COMECE he was elected one of its Vice-Presidents and since October 2018 he served as President of Justice and Peace Europe.
As a member of the Irish Episcopal Conference, Archbishop Treanor served as:
- Member of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Conference
- Chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Social Issues and International Affairs
- Member of the Council for Finance and General Purposes
- Irish Bishops’ Conference delegate to COMECE
- Chair of the Council for European Affairs
- Member of NICCOSA (Northern Ireland Catholic Council on Social Affairs).
- Member of ACCORD Northern Ireland
On 26 November 2022, Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Noël Treanor as Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union.
