Apostolic Nuncio in Ethiopia Urges Newly Installed Archbishop to Lead with Love and Unity

In brief

Archbishop Brian Ngozi Udaigwe, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ethiopia, urged the newly installed Archbishop of Addis Ababa, Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasi, to lead through love, unity, and service. During the installation ceremony on September 6, the Nuncio encouraged Archbishop Tesfaye to follow the example of Jesus in guiding and governing 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.

Archbishop Tesfaye succeeds Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, who led the archdiocese for approximately 27 years. Pope Leo XIV appointed Archbishop Tesfaye as Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa on June 12, 2026. Before this appointment, he served as Titular Bishop of Cleopatris starting in February 2025.