Appointment of the new Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies

Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, appointed Msgr. Juan José Aguirre Muñoz as the new Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the Central African Republic. The appointment, made on August 10, 2026, carries a five-year term.

Msgr. Aguirre Muñoz, 72, previously served as the second Bishop of Bangassou. He began his priestly ministry 46 years ago and has served as a bishop for 28 years. After serving as Coadjutor Bishop in 1997 and receiving episcopal ordination in 1998, he succeeded to the See of Bangassou in 2000.

Pope Francis accepted Msgr. Aguirre Muñoz's resignation from his pastoral leadership of the Diocese of Bangassou on June 24, 2026. Bishop Aurelio Gazzera, O.C.D., who previously served as Coadjutor Bishop of Bangassou, succeeded him.