Luanda, 19 September, 2025 / 8:20 pm (ACI Africa).
Members of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST) have eulogized Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa who passed on September 16 at the age of 67, as “a great Archbishop and diplomat” who served with simplicity in both countries as the Holy Father’s representative.
In an interview with ACI Africa on Wednesday, September 17, CEAST spokesperson said that while Archbishop Rugambwa served as Nuncio in Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe from 2010 to 2015, he was “a very present diplomat” who many knew for his compassion.
Reminiscing about Archbishop Rugambwa’s “tireless dedication to evangelization”, Bishop Belmiro Cuica Chissengueti of the Catholic Diocese of Cabinda told ACI Africa, “We are saddened by his departure, but confident that God is just and will give each one according to his works.”
He added, “The former Nuncio was known for his simplicity, closeness, and compassion, facing difficult situations during his service with our Episcopal Conference.”
“At this time of sorrow, we want to unite our prayers so that he, who was a great Archbishop and diplomat, may be received into heavenly grace,” he said.
