He has worked in the diplomatic service of the Holy See since 1984 and previously served as the Nuncio to Belarus, Ukraine, Russia and Uzbekistan.

Born in Kočevje, southern Slovenia, Ivan Jurkovič was ordained to the priesthood on 29 June 1977.

On 28 July 2001, Pope John Paul II appointed him Titular Archbishop of Krbava and Apostolic Nuncio to Belarus.

[5] On 13 February 2016, Pope Francis named him Permanent Observer to the United Nations in Geneva.

[7] Jurkovič is a Conventual Chaplain Grand Cross ad honorem of the Sovereign Military Order of Hospitalers of Saint John of Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta.