Apostolic Nuncio in South Africa Lauds “maturity” of Johannesburg’s Christ the King Cathedral ahead of 65th Anniversary

Johannesburg, 18 September, 2025 / 5:51 PM

The Apostolic Nuncio in South Africa has lauded the 65-year existence of the Cathedral of Christ the King of the Catholic Archdiocese of Johannesburg, noting that such long years “speak of maturity.”

In his message ahead of the cathedral's 65th anniversary on Saturday, September 20, Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński also reflected on the meaning of a cathedral within the life of the Church.

“The cathedral is often called the ‘mother church’ of a diocese or archdiocese. The word itself refers to the cathedra, the bishop’s seat, from which the principal church of the diocese takes its name,” Archbishop Jagodziński said in his reflection on Thursday, September 18.

“This jubilee is significant,” he said, and added, “Sixty-five years is a long span in human life, an age that speaks of maturity. In South Africa, and especially in Johannesburg, the nation’s largest city and its economic, cultural, and political hub, this milestone is a sign of a mature and living Church.”

The Polish-born diplomat, who also represents the Holy Father in Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, and Eswatini, noted that beyond its modern architecture and beauty, the Cathedral’s true significance lies in the countless sacraments and milestones it has witnessed.

“For 65 years, baptisms, confirmations, weddings, funerals, ordinations of deacons, priests, and bishops have taken place here,” the Apostolic Nuncio in South Africa said, and added, “The very walls of this church bear testimony to the life of faith of generations. It is a place not only of great beauty, but of deep spiritual atmosphere.”

The Nuncio is set to preside over Holy Mass on the September 20 anniversary celebration. 

The day will also be remembrance of the Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Africa, promulgated 30 years ago at Christ the King Cathedral. 

For Archbishop Jagodziński, the memory of the promulgation carries deep personal meaning. “When Saint Pope John Paul II came here, it was the first time a pope had ever visited this church. The occasion was the proclamation of Ecclesia in Africa, the fruit of a synod of bishops dedicated to the continent,” he said.

He remembers that the promulgation and Saint Pope John Paul II’s visit were an occasion of great joy. “I come from the same country, even the same ecclesiastical province, Kraków, where he was once Metropolitan Archbishop.”

He added, “I had the privilege of meeting him many times, and each encounter was a profoundly spiritual experience.”

In his message, Archbishop Jagodziński emphasized that the anniversary is not only about honoring the past but also about looking to the future with hope.

“We give thanks to Almighty God for the great blessings we have received, the consecration of the cathedral and the visit of Pope John Paul II. But we must also look forward,” the Nuncio said, and underlined the need for the Church to “always remain full, a living house of prayer where people come to encounter the Lord Jesus Christ.”

“This jubilee is an opportunity to reflect on the words spoken by the Holy Father during his visit to South Africa, to pray that the grace of that moment may be renewed, and perhaps even that another pope may one day return to Christ the King Cathedral,” Archbishop Jagodziński said.