New Cardinal in South Sudan Installed as President of Catholic Bishops' Conference

He added, “Let us work together in order to be full of anticipation, but also optimism in assuming this new leadership.”

“In assuming this role, I inherit the responsibility of leading our conference into a brighter future,” the Archbishop of Juba said. 

The new Cardinal whose transfer from Torit Diocese to Juba Archdiocese in December 2019 was met with resistance from a section of the Clergy and Laity of South Sudan’s only Metropolitan See further said, “We hope and we believe that leadership is not only about making decisions, but also about inspiring others to dream big and work towards creating a better tomorrow.”

He said, “I will seize this opportunity to build bridges across the sectors of the conference and bring about unity, peace and prosperity in our conference.”

Cardinal Mulla said that the challenges faced by the people of God in Sudan and South Sudan, notwithstanding, “we can overcome them through unity and through cooperation.”

He told other SCBC members elected to posts of responsibility that “together we can build a conference that we can all be proud of in the future.”

Cardinal Mulla went on to reflect on the achievements of his predecessor, lauding his role in “fostering unity, peace and progress.”

“President Tombe demonstrated unwavering commitment to our conference, always placing the well being and the needs of the conference first. Through his tireless leadership and effort, our conference has achieved significant milestones and overcome numerous obstacles like division and disunity,” he said.

Cardinal Mulla continued, “During his time in office, President Tombe embraced the principle of cooperation and unity, ensuring that every Bishop's voice was heard and valued. He championed freedom of speech and expression among us, enabling us to grow in the conference and that is the backbone of this institution’s growth.”

“President Tombe held a dialogue and a fostering environment for harmony and understanding. His commitment to the conference has laid a solid foundation for the future,” the South Sudanese Cardinal said.

On his part, Bishop Trille expressed appreciation to Bishops, Priests, Religious men, and women for being supportive during his term.

Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku of Sudan’s Catholic Diocese of El Obeid. Credit: Ginaba Lino Michael

He appealed to SCBC members, Priests, Religious men, and women to continue supporting the new president.

During their annual plenary assembly, SCBC members established six commissions to pilot the affairs of the conference.

Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of South Sudan’s Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio will head the commission for Integral Human Development. He will be assisted by Archbishop Michael Didi Adgum Mangoria of Khartoum Archdiocese in Sudan.

(Story continues below)

The Pastoral and Social Communication Commission is chaired by Bishop Alex Lodiong Sakor Eyobo of South Sudan’s Yei Diocese. He will be assisted by Bishop Stephen Nyodho Ador Majwok of the Catholic Diocese of Malakal in South Sudan.

Bishop Trille will head the Commission for Seminaries. Bishop Emmanuel Bernardino Lowi Napeta of South Sudan’s Torit Diocese is his assistant.

The Auxiliary Bishop of Juba, Bishop Santo Loku Pio Doggale will chair the Commission for Clergy and Religious. He will be assisted by the Auxiliary Bishop of Khartoum, Bishop Daniel Marco Kur Adwok.

Members of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SCBC). Credit: Ginaba Lino Michael

Bishop Christian Carlassarre of South Sudan’s Rumbek Diocese is the chairperson of the Commission for Education. He will be assisted by Archbishop Didi.

Cardinal Mulla is the chairperson of the Finance Commision. He will be assisted by Bishop Adwok. 

Meanwhile, Bishop Santo Pio is expected to oversee the affairs of the Catholic Secretariat in Juba.