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Noel Treanor, a former Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor, has died at the age of 73.

He was appointed by Pope Francis to the diplomatic role of apostolic nuncio to the European Union in 2023.

It is understood he died on Sunday morning.

The EU position acts as the representative of the Holy See, or the Catholic Church's government, in Brussels.

Archbishop Treanor was born in County Monaghan and attended St Patrick's College in Maynooth before studying in Rome.

He was ordained as a priest in 1976 and served in the diocese of Clogher in St Macartan’s Cathedral in County Monaghan.

He was later appointed Bishop of Down and Connor by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008.

It is the second largest diocese on the island of Ireland, stretching from Northern Ireland's north coast to Kilkeel in County Down.

'Great integrity and intellect'

Prof Sir Ian Greer, Queen's University vice-chancellor, said the archbishop was a "man of great integrity and intellect".

Archbishop Treanor had served as chair of the board of governors at St Mary's University College.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said she was shocked and saddened by the news and extended her condolences to his family.

Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin said he was “greatly shocked by the suddenness of Archbishop Noël’s premature passing”.

In a statement, the current Bishop of Down and Connor the Right Reverend Alan McGuckian commended the former bishop’s legacy.

“Archbishop Treanor will be remembered as a tremendously gifted academic, a proficient modern linguist, and a highly skilled diplomat,” he said.

“Throughout his ministry, Archbishop Noel exhibited a wonderful capacity to situate the concerns and challenges faced by the church within a broader European and global context.”

Colin McGrath, Social Democratic and Labour Party assembly member, also said he was sad to hear of the archbishop's death, while Democratic Unionits Party assembly member Phillip Brett said his "his dedication and service to north Belfast, in particular to the Mater Hospital" would be fondly remembered.

Presbyterian minister the Reverend Steve Stockman said Archbishop Treanor was a great supporter of the cross-community 4 Corners Festival and he was very saddened to learn the news.

The charity Trócaire posted on social media that he had been "incredibly supportive of our work" and that he "served as a custodian of our mission, ethos and values".