Monsignor Alfred Xuereb, former second secretary of Benedict XVI and for some months also of Pope Francis, will take up a new appointment in South Korea, international media report.

Xuereb (photo, with Pope Francis) is currently prelate general secretary of the Secretariat for the Economy led by Cardinal George Pell.

Born in Victoria in October 1958,  Xuereb will be appointed bishop and will be taking over the  apostolic nunciature of Seoul in South Korea.

Another appointment concerns Monsignor José Avelino Bettencourt, current head of the Protocol of the Secretariat of State, born in May 1962 in Velas, Portugal. After his episcopal ordination he will be assigned to the papal representation in Georgia.

Vatican sources have confirmed these two incoming appointments to Vatican Insider.