Vatican Halts Formation of Seminarians in DR Congo’s Wamba Diocese “until further notice”, Cites “difficult environment”

Kinshasa, 10 October, 2025 / 11:49 PM

The Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization has suspended the formation of Seminarians in the Catholic Diocese of Wamba in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), citing a “difficult ecclesial environment”, which it says undermines Priestly training.

In a letter issued on Tuesday, October 7, the Apostolic Administrator of the Congolese Episcopal See informs the Seminarians of the Vatican Dicastery’s decision, alluding to the challenge of transition.

Wamba Diocese has been experiencing a leadership crisis since the January 2024 appointment of Bishop Emmanuel Ngona Ngotsi as its Local Ordinary. Although he was ordained Bishop in the Congolese capital city, Kinshasa, Bishop Ngotsi has yet to take canonical possession of his Episcopal See amid opposition from some members of the Clergy and Laity who insist that the Diocese should be led by a native of the region.

In the October 7 letter, Bishop Sosthène Ayikuli Udjuwa says the Dicastery for Evangelization has noted that the “formation of future Priests in such a difficult ecclesial environment would be entirely inappropriate, and has therefore ordered its suspension until further notice”

“Therefore, the Dicastery has decided that Seminarians who wish to continue their Priestly formation may contact other Bishops who are willing to receive them after proper discernment,” the Local Ordinary of Mahagi-Nioka Diocese says.

He continues, “This means that the Seminarians of the Diocese of Wamba will only be able to continue their Priestly formation after fulfilling the above condition. Implicitly, this also means that if a Seminarian wishes instead to pursue a vocation to Religious Life, he may request admission as a candidate in an Institute of Consecrated Life or a Society of Apostolic Life, continuing his formation according to the norms of that institute or society.”

The Vatican decision affects St. Leo Minor Seminary in Lingondo, one of the key formation centers in the Diocese. Its operation has been deemed non-compliant with current ecclesial standards.

In his letter, the Apostolic Administrator reassures the Seminarians of his support, and says he is ready to facilitate their transitions.

“I am prepared to accompany the Seminarians in their choices and in carrying them out, particularly concerning the written application to the Local Ordinary of the chosen Diocese,” Bishop Sosthène says.