Appointment of apostolic exarch for Greek-Melkite faithful resident in Argentina

Consecration of bishop of Datong, China

Appointment of secretary general of the Pontifical Lateran University

Appointment of apostolic exarch for Greek-Melkite faithful resident in Argentina

The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Fr. Jean Abou Charouche, of the Society of Missionaries of Saint Paul, until now apostolic administrator sede vacante of the same circumscription, as apostolic exarch for Greek-Melkite faithful resident in Argentina, at the same time elevating him to the dignity of bishop and assigning him the titular see of Myra of the Greek-Melkites.

Curriculum vitae

Bishop-elect Jean Abou Charouche, S.M.S.P., was born on 18 October 1972 in Chiyah, near Beirut, Lebanon.

In 1985 he entered the minor seminary of Saint Paul in Harissa, where he carried out his studies in philosophy and theology. On 29 June 1998 he gave his solemn vows, and on 16 August 1998 he received priestly ordination. He subsequently devoted a large part of his pastoral service to the formation of future religious and priests.

In 2015 he became parish priest of the Cathedral of San Jorge in Córdoba, Argentina. In 2023, the Holy Father Francis appointed him apostolic administrator sede vacante of the Catholic exarchate for Greek-Melkite faithful in Argentina.

Consecration of Bishop of Datong, China

Today, Monday 31 August 2026, episcopal ordination was received by the Revered Paul Liu Honggang, whom the Holy Father, on 10 August 2026, appointed bishop of Datong, Shanxi, China, having approved his candidacy within the framework of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China.

Curriculum vitae

The Reverend Paul Liu Honggang was born on 2 November 1970 in the village of Wufuying, near the city of Taiyuan. From 1988 to 1992 he attended the seminary of Fenyang and, subsequently, from 1992 to 1996, the National Seminary in Beijing, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in theology. On 24 November 1996, he was ordained a priest for the diocese of Datong. From December 1996 to 1999, he served as parish priest of Zhangguantun; from 2000 to 2003 he was parish priest in Xubao, before being transferred to the parish of Xihehe, where he served as parish priest from 2003 to 2005. Since 15 March 2005, he has held the office of diocesan administrator.

Appointment of secretary general of the Pontifical Lateran University

The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Giovanni Bagnus, of the clergy of the diocese of Alessandria, as secretary general of the Pontifical Lateran University, with effect from 1 September 2026.