Edoardo Rovida

Edoardo Rovida (26 August 1927 – 26 May 2026) was an Italian prelate of the Catholic Church who worked in the diplomatic service of the Holy See from 1953 to 2002.

Early years and priesthood Edoardo Rovida was born on 26 August 1927 in Alessandria, Italy, and was ordained a priest on 29 June 1950.

Diplomatic career Rovida completed the course of studies at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in 1953.

He became known as a beneficiary of the patronage of Giovanni Benelli, who as substitute of the Secretariat of State, dominated the department from 1967 to 1977. His early assignments in the diplomatic service of the Holy See included a stint in Cuba during the early years of the Cuban Revolution. (His role as secretary of the nunciature in Havana is documented in 1958 and 1960.) He received his episcopal consecration on 10 October and on 7 March 1981 was named Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in Geneva.

On 26 January 1985, Rovida was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Switzerland and on 7 March 1987 Apostolic Nuncio to Liechtenstein.

On 15 March 1993, Rovida was appointed apostolic nuncio to Portugal.

Rovida's service as nuncio to Portugal ended with the appointment of his successor, Alfio Rapisarda, on 12 October 2002, but maintained the title nuncio.

Death Rovida died in Asti on 26 May 2026, at the age of 98.