Diplomatic representation of the Holy See in Australia
Holy See Apostolic Nunciature in Canberra
The Apostolic Nunciature in Canberra is the diplomatic mission of the Holy See in Australia and represents the Holy See in its official relations with the Australian Government.
Contact details
Contact the Apostolic Nunciature in Canberra
The Apostolic Nunciature is the resident diplomatic mission of the Holy See in Australia.
Before visiting: the Apostolic Nunciature is primarily a diplomatic mission rather than a general public consular office. Contact the mission in advance if you need to arrange an official visit.
Mission location
Where is the Apostolic Nunciature in Canberra?
The Apostolic Nunciature is located in Red Hill, Canberra.
The mission is located at 2 Vancouver Street, Red Hill ACT 2603, Australia.
The building serves as the diplomatic residence and chancery of the Holy See’s representation in Australia.
About the mission
About the Apostolic Nunciature in Canberra
The Apostolic Nunciature in Canberra is the diplomatic mission of the Holy See in Australia.
An Apostolic Nunciature performs the diplomatic functions that an embassy would normally carry out for a state. The Apostolic Nuncio, when appointed, acts as the Holy See’s diplomatic representative to Australia.
The mission supports official relations between the Holy See and the Commonwealth of Australia and also serves an important ecclesiastical role in relations between the Holy See and the Catholic Church in Australia.
Diplomatic role
Role and Services
The Apostolic Nunciature primarily carries out diplomatic and ecclesiastical functions rather than routine public consular services.
Diplomatic representation
The Nunciature represents the Holy See in official dealings with the Australian Government and supports bilateral diplomatic relations.
Church relations
The mission also acts as an important channel between the Holy See and the Catholic Church in Australia.
Official communications
The Nunciature handles diplomatic and ecclesiastical communications connected with the Holy See’s representation in Australia.
Not a standard consular office: the Apostolic Nunciature does not operate like a typical embassy consular section for passport, visa or citizen-document services.
Planning a visit
Visits to the Apostolic Nunciature
The mission is primarily intended for diplomatic and official ecclesiastical business.
DFAT currently lists office hours from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Members of the public should contact the Nunciature before attending, particularly where an official appointment or correspondence is involved.
Before travelling: confirm that your matter is handled by the Apostolic Nunciature and arrange any necessary appointment in advance.
Diplomatic responsibilities
Diplomatic Role in Australia
The Apostolic Nunciature is the Holy See’s resident diplomatic representation in Australia.
The mission conducts official relations between the Holy See and the Commonwealth of Australia.
The current diplomatic post is temporarily headed by a Chargé d’Affaires a.i. following the resignation of the previous Apostolic Nuncio in June 2026.
The Holy See and Australia maintain formal diplomatic relations, and the Nunciature serves as the Holy See’s official mission in Canberra.
Visitor information
Before You Visit
Because the Apostolic Nunciature is not a conventional public consular office, visitors should confirm the purpose of their visit in advance.
Contact the mission first
Confirm that the Nunciature is the appropriate office for your enquiry before travelling to Red Hill.
Check office hours
The mission closes between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm during the working day.
Do not expect standard consular services
Passport, visa and ordinary citizen-document services are not the normal function of the Apostolic Nunciature.
Important: diplomatic staffing and visitor arrangements can change. Check the latest official information before attending the mission.
Frequently asked questions
Holy See Apostolic Nunciature Canberra FAQ
What is the address of the Apostolic Nunciature in Canberra?
The Apostolic Nunciature is located at 2 Vancouver Street, Red Hill ACT 2603, Australia.
What is the telephone number of the Apostolic Nunciature?
The mission can be contacted on +61 2 6295 3876.
What are the office hours?
DFAT currently lists office hours from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Is the Apostolic Nunciature the Holy See’s embassy in Australia?
Yes. The Apostolic Nunciature is the Holy See’s resident diplomatic mission in Australia and performs the diplomatic role equivalent to an embassy.
Does the Apostolic Nunciature provide passport or visa services?
The mission is primarily a diplomatic and ecclesiastical office and does not operate as a standard public consular office for routine passport or visa services.
Who currently heads the mission?
DFAT currently lists Rev. Msgr. Alfred Rayan Dsouza as Chargé d’Affaires a.i. following the resignation of the previous Apostolic Nuncio in June 2026.
Official information
Sources
Official sources used to verify the mission, contact details and current diplomatic status.