Bulletins, Newsletters, and Flocknotes

Resignation and appointment of bishop of Sarh, Chad

Resignation and appointment of bishop of Derry, Ireland

Appointment of coadjutor archbishop of Guwahati, India

 

Resignation and appointment of bishop of Sarh, Chad

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Sarh, Chad, presented by Bishop Miguel Angel Sebastián Martínez, M.C.C.J.

The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Jean Miguina, O.F.M. Cap., until now responsible for Capuchin Aspirants in Chad and counsellor of the Custody of Franciscan Friars Minor Capuchin of Chad and of the Central African Republic.

Curriculum vitae

Msgr. Jean Miguina, O.F.M. Cap., was born on 12 September 1978 in Laï, in the diocese of the same name. He was ordained a priest on 21 November 2009 in Moundou.

After ordination, he first held the role of regional assistant for Franciscan youth of Bangui (2009-2012). He obtained a licentiate in canon law from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome (2015), and went on to serve as teacher and director of the Saint Laurent University Institute in Bouar, Central African Republic, secretary of the Conference of Capuchin Major Superiors of Central and West Africa (2016-2019), Custos of Friars Minor Capuchin of Chad and Central Africa, and president of the Conference of Capuchin Major Superiors of Central and West Africa (2019-2022). He was awarded a master’s degree (2020) and a doctorate (2024) in human rights and humanitarian action from the Université Catholique d’Afrique Central in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Since 2024, he has served as member of the College of Consultors of the diocese of Moundou, spiritual assistant to the Franciscan Sisters of Donia, and Latin teacher at Saint Mbaga Tuzinde Major Seminary in Sarh. In addition, within the Capuchin Order he is responsible for Capuchin Aspirants in Chad, as well as counsellor and Custos of the Custody of Chad and the Central African Republic, and member of the legal Commission.

 

Resignation and appointment of bishop of Derry, Ireland

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Derry, Ireland, presented by Bishop Donal McKeown.

The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Michael Router, until now titular bishop of Lugmad and auxiliary of Armagh, as bishop of Derry, Ireland.

Curriculum vitae

Bishop Michael Router was born on 15 April 1965 in Rahardrum, in the diocese of Kilmore, Ireland. He entered the major seminary of St. Patrick College in Maynooth, and obtained a bachelor’s degree in theology and a higher diploma in education from Maynooth University.

He was ordained a priest on 25 June 1989 for the diocese of Kilmore.

He has held the following offices: parish vicr in Killinkere (1989-1991), teacher at St. Patrick’s College in Cavan (1991-1996), chaplain of Bailieborough Community School and parish prieswt in Tierworker (1996-2002), director for Formation in Adult Faith of the diocese of Kilmore (2003-2010), director of the diocesan Pastoral Centre (2010-2013), parish priest of the Cathedral of Urmey and Annagelliff (2013-2014), parish priest of Killan and vicar forane of the deanery of Bailieborough (2014-2019).

He was appointed titular bishop of Lugmad and auxiliary of the metropolitan archdiocese of Armagh on 7 May 2019, and received episcopal ordination the following 21 July.

 

Appointment of coadjutor archbishop of Guwahati, India

The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Albert Hemrom, hitherto of Dibrugarh, as coadjutor archbishop of the metropolitan archdiocese of Guwahati, India.

Curriculum vitae

Bishop Albert Hemrom was born on 27 February 1969 in Konapathar, Assam, India. He attended Saint Joseph’s Minor Seminary in Dibrugarh and studied philosophy and theologgy at the Oriens Theological College in Shillong.

He was ordained a priest on 25 April 1999.

After ordination, he first held the roles of deputy parish priest (1999-2001) and parish priest (2006-2011) of Saint Francis of Assisi in Rajabari. He obtained a licentiate in canon law from Saint Peter’s Pontifical College in Bangalore (2003), and went on to serve as prefect of studies at Saint Joseph’s Minor Seminary in Dibrugarh (2003-2006). He was awarded a doctorate in canon law at the Pontifical Lateran University of Rome (2014) and then held the offices of judicial vicar of the diocesan tribunal (2014-2018), rector of Saint Joseph’s Minor Seminary in Dibrugarh (2014-2018), lecturer in canon law at Oriens Theological College in Shillong (2014-2018), member of the College of Consultors and of the Presbyteral Council, secretary of the Commission for the Laity and the Family, and vocational promoter.

He was appointed coadjutor bishop of Dibrugarh on 2 December 2018, and received episcopal ordination on 24 February 2019. On 15 February 2021 he took office as diocesan bishop of the diocese of Dibrugarh.

Resignation of bishop of Huacho, Peru

Resignation and appointment of bishop of Kabale, Uganda

 

Resignation of bishop of Huacho, Peru

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Huacho, Peru, presented by Bishop Antonio Santarsiero Rosa, O.S.I.

 

Resignation and appointment of bishop of Kabale, Uganda

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Kabale, Uganda, presented by Bishop Callist Rubaramira.

The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, M.Afr., until now rector of the St. Martin of Tours Formation House in Ejisu, in Ghana, as bishop of the diocese of Kabale, Uganda.

Curriculum vitae

Msgr. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, M.Afr., was born on 3 March 1974 in Kitumba, diocese of Kabale. After attending St. Paul’s Minor Seminary in Rushoroza, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and religious studies from the Philosophy Centre in Jinja, and in theology from the Institut Catholique of Toulouse.

He joined the postulate of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) and was ordained a priest on 10 August 2003.

After ordination, he first served as parish vicar of Nossa Senhora de Fatima in Murraça, Mozambique (2003-2007), director of the school for adult education in Murraça and Caia (2004-2007), and member of the Council of the Section of the Missionaries of Africa in Mozambique (2005-2007). He attended a course in formation of formators and spiritual accompaniment at the Centre Spirituel Jésuite Le Châtelard in Lyon, France (2008) and obtained a licentiate in philosophy from the Milltown Institute of Philosophy in Dublin (2008-2010). He went on to serve as professor and dean of studies at the Lechaptois Formation House in Balaka, Malawi (2010-2013), delegate for the Protection of Minors, Malawi Section (2011-2016), and interim rector of the Lechaptois Formation House in Balaka, Malawi (2013-2015). After attending a course in biblical formation at St. Anne’s Formation Centre in Jerusalem (2014), he was awarded a doctorate in philosophy at the University of San Carlos in Cebu, Philippines (2016-2020). He then held the roles of coordinator and chaplain of the Friends of Missionaries of Africa and member of the Council of the Asia Section in Cebu, Philippines (2017-2020), rector of Our Lady of Africa Formation House Seminary in Cebu (2019-2020), dean of studies at Spiritan University College in Ejisu, Ghana (since 2021), rector of the house of philosophical formation of the St. Martin of Tours Formation House in Ejisu (since 2023), and member of the Provincial Council of the Province of Ghana-Nigeria of the Missionaries of Africa (since 2025).

Resignation and appointment of bishop of Faro, Portugal

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Faro, Portugal, presented by Bishop Manuel Neto Quintas, S.C.I.

The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Vitorino José Pereira Soares as bishop of the diocese of Faro, Portugal, transferring him from the titular see of Gisipa and the office of auxiliary of Porto.

Curriculum vitae

Bishop Vitorino José Pereira Soares was born on 19 October 1960 in Luzim, Penafiel, in the diocese of Porto. He studied philosophy and theology at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Porto.

He was ordained a priest on 14 July 1985 for the diocese of Porto.

He has held the following offices: military chaplain of the Regiment of Serra do Pilar in Porto; collaborator in the parish of Nossa Senhora da Imaculada Conceição in Porto; prefect of the major seminary and director of the diocesan Youth Pastoral Secretariat; parish priest in Castelões de Cepeda and in Madalena; vicar of Paredes and member of the diocesan Youth Pastoral Council; and to date, rector of the major seminary of Porto.

On 17 July 2019 he was appointed titular bishop of Gisipa and auxiliary of the diocese of Porto, receiving episcopal ordination the following 19 September.

Within the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, he chairs the Episcopal Commission for Vocations and Ministries.

Resignation and Appointment of the Bishop of Jericó (Colombia)

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Jericó (Colombia) submitted by H.E. Mons. Noel Antonio Londoño Buitrago, C.SS.R.

The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Diego Luis Rendón Urrea, a priest of the Diocese of Santa Rosa de Osos (Colombia), until now Rector of the Fundación Universitaria Católica del Norte and of the UCN Cyber School ( Cibercolegio ), as Bishop of Jericó (Colombia).

Curriculum Vitae

H.E. Mons. Diego Luis Rendón Urrea was born on 3 June 1967 in Rionegro, in the Diocese of Sonsón - Rionegro. After completing his philosophical and theological studies at the Major Seminary of Santa Rosa de Osos , he attended the Santo Tomás de Aquino University  in Medellín. He later earned a specialization in Educational Management from the Universidad de San Buenaventura  in Medellín and a specialization in Virtual Education Pedagogy from the Fundación Universitaria Católica del Norte . He also pursued doctoral studies in Education at the Universidad Nacional de La Plata in Argentina.

He was ordained to the priesthood on 21 November 2000 and was incardinated into the Diocese of Santa Rosa de Osos.

He has held the following offices:

Parochial Vicar of the Parish of the Inmaculada Concepción in Amalfi (2001); Rector of the Cyber School affiliated with the Fundación Universitaria Católica del Norte (UCN) (2002–2005); Vicar for Catholic Education (2002–2005); Vocations Director and Delegate for Missionary Pastoral Ministry (2005–2009); Diocesan Delegate for Social Pastoral Ministry – Caritas (2010–2011); Diocesan Vicar for Pastoral Ministry (2010–2011); Chaplain of the National Training Service (SENA) (2011–2014);

Pastor of Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Gómez Plata (2014–2015); Since 2015, Rector of the Fundación Universitaria Católica del Norte and of its Cibercolegio .

On 20 June 2026, the Holy Father appointed H.E. Mons. Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, as his Special Envoy to the celebrations marking the 35 th anniversary of the renewal of the structures of the Latin Rite Church in Ukraine. The celebrations will take place at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Scapular in Berdychiv on 19 July 2026.

The Pontifical Mission is composed of the following clergy:

1. Mons. Andrzej Legowicz, Private Secretary to the Archbishop of Lviv;

2. Father Pavlo Khomiak, Chancellor of the Diocese of Lutsk.

The following is the text of the Pontifical Letter to His Excellency the Special Envoy, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher:

Letter of the Holy Father

Venerabili Fratri

Paulo Richardo Gallagher

Archiepiscopo titulo Hodelmensi

Secretario

Sectionis de Rationibus cum Civitatibus et Institutis Internationalibus

Secretariae Status

«Sacrosancta Romana Ecclesia devotos ac humiles filios ex assueto pietatis officio propensius diligere consuevit et, ne pravorum hominum molestiis agitentur, eos tamquam pia Mater suae protectionis munimine confovere», scripsit Praedecessor Noster Gregorius PP. IX in Litteris ad clerum et christifideles ritus latini in territorio hodiernae Ucrainae degentes anno MCCXXXIV missis, qui «zelo fidei ac devotionis accensi, murum defensionis opposuerunt pro cultu divini nominis ampliando et occasione huiusmodi a persecutoribus fidei christianae, qui iis assiduas posuerunt insidias, saepius molestati damna sustinuerunt et rapinas», in beati Petri tutelam eos recipiens una cum «familiis eorum et aliis bonis» ( Litterae dilectis filiis Ulrico et fratribus suis eorumque concivibus latinis in Kiovia ).

Superioribus saeculis clerici et christifideles catholici ibi degentes testimonium fidei strenue praebuerunt variis in rerum adiunctis historiae, praecipue XX saeculo, cum Ucraina, alterius belli mundialis sub exitum, subiugata est regimini sovieticae doctrinae obnoxio. Eodemque tempore catholica Ecclesia in illa regione subiecta est crudeli persecutioni a potestate civili institutae et effectae, quae propositum habuit eam prorsus in populo exstinguendi. Transactis acerbis annis, Ecclesia Romana ibi rursus vitam et incrementum suum renovavit et nunc XXXV anniversariam memoriam celebrat instaurationis suarum institutionum. Hoc anno etiam celebrantur XXV transacti anni ab Itinere Apostolico a s. Ioanne Paulo PP. II in Ucraina peracto.

His prorsus de causis Venerabilis Frater Vitalis Skomarovskyi, Episcopus Luceoriensis Latinorum necnon Conferentiae Episcopalis Ucrainae Praeses, nomine omnium Antistitum postulavit, ut ad hoc duplex iubilaeum prosequendum Nos aliquem praestantissimum ecclesiasticum virum eligeremus, qui hac in celebratione personam Nostram gereret. Omnibus ergo mature perpensis, harum Litterarum virtute, Te, Venerabilis Frater, MISSUM EXTRAORDINARIUM NOSTRUM nominamus, tributis tibi facultatibus, ut nomine Nostro in oppido Berdychiv die XIX proximi mensis Iulii Missae celebrationi in XXXV anniversaria memoria renovationis institutionum Ecclesiae catholicae ritus latini in Ucraina atque in XXV anniversaria memoria Itineris Apostolici a s. Ioanne Paulo PP. II in Ucraina peracti praeesse valeas.

Liturgicis igitur ritibus Nostro nomine in Sanctuario Nationali Deo in honorem Beatae Mariae Virginis in oppido Berdychiv dicato praesidebis Nostramque benignam omnibus significabis salutationem itidemque paternam proximitatem. In precibus, quaesumus, Deo grato animo commendabis omnes vivos et defunctos christifideles istius populi, qui causa atrocitatis belli summopere patitur. Congregatos inde invitabis ad pacem pro mundo et familiis implorandam, necnon ad fidelitatem erga Dei mandata servandam.

Missionem tuam comitentur validum patrocinium Beatae Mariae Virginis, praesidium s. Michaëlis Archangeli et intercessio s. Petri apostoli necnon plurimorum sanctorum terrae Ucrainae. Tibi, denique, Venerabilis Frater, Nostram Apostolicam Benedictionem libenter impertimur, quam utriusque ritus catholicis Episcopis, sacerdotibus, religiosis viris et mulieribus, christifidelibus laicis, civilibus Auctoritatibus omnibusque iubilaris laetitiae participibus nomine Nostro te largiri volumus.

Ex Aedibus Vaticanis, die XXIX mensis Iunii, in sollemnitate Ss. Petri et Pauli, apostolorum, anno MMXXVI, Pontificatus Nostri secundo.

LEO PP. XIV