2016-10-11 10:52:00

Cardinal-designate Nzapalainga will be youngest Cardinal


At the age of 49, Cardinal-designate Dieudonné Nzapalainga of Bangui will become the youngest in the College Cardinals.

Pope Francis has named 17 new cardinals from 11 different countries. Three of the Cardinals to be created are from within the African territory: Archbishop Dieudonné Nzapalainga of Bangui in the Central African Republic (CAR) will become the first ever Cardinal from CAR. He belongs to the Missionary Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers (Spiritans).  The second Cardinal-designate from Africa is Bishop Emeritus Sebastian Koto Khoarai of Mohale's Hoek in Lesotho. The third, Archbishop Maurice Piat of Port-Louis on the island of Mauritius is also a member of the Missionary Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers.

The Pope made the announcement Sunday during the Angelus in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.

Pope Francis will elevate the new Cardinals on 19 November, during the vigil marking the conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Mercy that falls on Sunday, 20 November, on the Solemnity of Christ the King.

At the age of 49, Cardinal-designate Dieudonné Nzapalainga of Bangui will become the youngest in the College of Cardinals. He takes the slot that was held by Soane Patita Paini Cardinal Mafi of Tonga in the Pacific Ocean. The latter turns 55 on 19 December 2016.

Cardinal-designate Nzapalainga is known in CAR as a defender of peace.

After his ordination to the priesthood in 1998, Fr. Nzapalainga ministered in Marseilles, France as a chaplain at the St. Francis de Sales house and at the Parish of St. Jerome. He returned to CAR from France in 2005. A year later, he was elected the Regional Superior for the Spiritans.

The Cardinal-designate became the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Bangui following the resignation of Archbishop Paulin Pomodimo in 2009. He was ordained Archbishop in July 2012.

Cardinals have the unique role of gathering in the secret conclave to elect a new Pope. They are also close advisors to the Pope.

(Email:engafrica@vatiradio.va)








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