Archbishop Udaigwe urges Archbishop Tesfaye to lead with love and unity

Archbishop Brian Ngozi Udaigwe has urged the newly installed Archbishop of Addis Ababa, Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasi, to lead his new archdiocese through love, unity, and service. During a homily at the installation Mass on September 6, the Apostolic Nuncio in Ethiopia encouraged Archbishop Tesfaye to follow the example of Jesus in how he guides and governs the people.

Archbishop Udaigwe, who also represents the Pope in Somalia and Djibouti, called on clergy and the faithful to support Archbishop Tesfaye in his new role. He also thanked the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus for providing the new archbishop to the Church.

Pope Leo XIV appointed Archbishop Tesfaye to lead the Catholic Archdiocese of Addis Ababa on June 12, 2026. He previously served as Titular Bishop of Cleopatris starting in February 2025. Archbishop Tesfaye succeeds Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, who led the archdiocese for approximately 27 years.