Nuncio: First Native Bishop of Bethlehem Diocese Reflects the Church Taking Deep Root in Southern Africa

New Bishop of South Africa’s Catholic Diocese of Bethlehem Urged to Lead in Synodality

The new Local Ordinary of the Catholic Diocese of Bethlehem in South Africa has been challenged to embrace leadership that is rooted in synodality, discernment, humility, and unwavering fidelity to Christ, with a call to walk closely with the faithful while continually seeking God's will. In his homily during the Episcopal Ordination of Mons. Motlatsi Meshack Phomane at the University of the Free State in Qwaqwa, Archbishop Zolile Peter Mpambani…

Bishop Motlatsi Phomane Ordained Fifth Bishop of Bethlehem

The Diocese of Bethlehem entered a sacred moment of anticipation and prayer on Friday, 3 July 2026 as Bishop Motlatsi Phomane Ordained Fifth Bishop of Bethlehem

Nuncio: First Native Bishop of Bethlehem Diocese reflects the Church taking deep root in Southern Africa

The appointment and episcopal ordination of Bishop Motlatsi Meshack Phomane as the first South African-born bishop of the Diocese of Bethlehem is a visible sign that the Catholic Church has taken deep root in Southern Africa, according to the Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa, Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński. Speaking to the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Communication Office, the Holy See’s representative descr…