Pope Francis Accepts Resignation of Bishop of São Tomé and Principe Diocese Aged 62

Until his appointment as the Bishop of São Tomé and Príncipe Diocese, the native of Portugal had served as Provincial Superior of the Portuguese Claretian Province. He had also served as the President of the National Conference of Major Superiors of Religious Institutes.

In March 2020, Bishop António met with the country’s Minister of Health to deliberate on the ways the Catholic Church can be instrumental in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.

Both parties discussed issues related to preventive measures with Bishop António expressing the will of the Catholic Church to support the government.

“This virus does not choose the people and therefore it is a battle we all must fight. We are ready to support the government in sensitizing our people about this disease,” Bishop António said.

He further said in reference to the collaboration, “Right now I think we have to forget our political backgrounds, our rivalries and join hands together and fight this epidemic that has brought fear and panic to our people.”

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Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.