Gnansounou Eric Soviguidi

Eric Soviguidi (born 21 March 1971) is a Beninese prelate of the Catholic Church who works in the diplomatic service of the Holy See.

Biography Eric Soviguidi was born on 21 March 1971 in Abomey, Benin. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Cotonou on 10 October 1998. He holds a Doctorate in Canon Law. He is reported to be fluent in several languages, including French, English, Spanish and Italian.

Diplomatic career He entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See on 1 July 2005, and has served at the apostolic nunciatures in Haiti, Ghana, Tanzania, Guatemala, and at the Section for Relations with States of the Secretariat of State. On 30 November 2021, Pope Francis appointed him Permanent Observer of the Holy See to UNESCO.

On 12 September 2025, he was given the additional responsibilities for Niger. He was consecrated bishop at Cotonou, Benin on 15 November 2025 by Cardinal Pietro Cardinal Parolin, Cardinal-Bishop of Santi Simone e Giuda Taddeo a Torre Angela assisted by Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Titular Archbishop of Aquaviva and Roger Houngbédji, Archbishop of Cotonou.