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“I feel proud coming here, we’ll work together”: New Apostolic Nuncio on Diplomatic Mission to Ethiopia

Credit: Ethiopia Catholic Secretariat

The representative of the Holy Father in Ethiopia has expressed joy at the beginning of his diplomatic mission, acknowledging with appreciation the Horn of Africa nation’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

Speaking during a welcome ceremony on Wednesday, June 25, Archbishop Brian Udaigwe reflected on Ethiopia’s significance both in biblical history and the civil narrative of the continent and pledged close collaboration with the local Church and government authorities. 

“I’m really happy to come to your country… with its ancient history, so many times mentioned in the Bible,” Archbishop Udaigwe said during the event that was held at the Addis Ababa-based Apostolic Nunciature.

He noted that Ethiopia’s national identity has influenced many other African nations. He said, “Many African countries borrowed from the flag of Ethiopia. I feel proud coming here.”

Looking forward to his mission, the Apostolic Nuncio emphasized a spirit of cooperation, saying, “We will work together. We will see how to assist together, assist one another for the benefit of this Church and of the country as well.”

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Archbishop Udaigwe also underlined Addis Ababa’s increasing importance as a travel and diplomatic hub, recounting how fellow Vatican representatives in other African countries often pass through the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

“Just two days ago, a Nuncio in Cameroon told me he was going to Addis Ababa. So, I am somehow at the center of the world,” he said.

Born in Brian in July 1964 in Cameroon’s Catholic Diocese of Buea, Archbishop Udaigwe was ordained a Priest in May 1992 for the Catholic Diocese of Orlu in Nigeria.

He joined the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1994. The holder of a Doctorate in Canon Law served in the Apostolic Nunciatures in Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, Haiti, Bulgaria, Thailand, as well as in the United Kingdom, before he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio.

While Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Apostolic Nuncio to Benin in February 2013, assigning him the Titular See of Suelli, his Episcopal Consecration on 27 April 2013 took place at the start of the late Pope Francis’ Papacy. 

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Archbishop Udaigwe, who officially presented his credentials in Benin in June 2013 was the following month appointed the representative of the Holy Father in Togo.

The late Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Nuncio to Sri Lanka in June 2020.

Meanwhile, in remarks during the June 25 event, the Secretary of the Ethiopian Apostolic Nunciature, Mons. Massimo Catterin, offered heartfelt congratulations to Archbishop Udaigwe and warmly welcomed him in the Horn of Africa nation.

“You come to a land where the Catholic presence is ancient, and though we are a little flock, we are vibrant and committed,” Mons. Catterin said.

He assured Archbishop Udaigwe of full support at the Apostolic Nunciature, saying, “Be sure we are ready to assist you in your mission and challenges, and we offer our prayers for a blessed and successful ministry in Ethiopia.”

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Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.