Abba Tsefaselassie formally assumes leadership of the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa during an ecclesiastical ceremony, succeeding Cardinal Berhaneyesus
By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — In an ecclesiastical ceremony following Roman Catholic canon law, His Eminence Abba Tsefaselassie formally took possession of the Archiepiscopal See of Addis Ababa, receiving the pastoral staff and vestments of service from His Eminence Cardinal Abune Berhaneyesus.
The installation service commenced according to tradition as Abba Tsefaselassie knocked three times on the doors of the cathedral before entering, symbolizing his formal request to shepherd the archdiocese. Cardinal Berhaneyesus presided over the Holy Mass, marking the official transfer of authority after leading the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa for nearly 27 years, from 1999 to 2026.
During the liturgy, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ethiopia, Archbishop Brian Udaigwe, presented the official papal bull of appointment and conveyed a message of communion on behalf of Pope Leo XIV. Addressing the congregation, Archbishop Udaigwe urged the incoming archbishop to lead the faithful in the spirit of the Good Shepherd, emphasizing pastoral service grounded in love and Christ’s sacrifice.
Abune Tsefaselassie accepted his appointment, pledging to serve the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa with dedication and pastoral care.
The installation drew a broad assembly of religious and diplomatic figures, including members of the Ethiopian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, representatives of the Holy See, visiting bishops and clergy from across Africa, and representatives from the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Members of the diplomatic corps, heads of partner organizations, monastics, and lay faithful also attended the ceremony to honor Cardinal Berhaneyesus’s long-standing leadership and welcome the new archbishop.
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