Pope Francis blesses South Sudan bishop-elect at Vatican

March 17, 2022 (VATICAN) – The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis blessed and encouraged South Sudan’s bishop-elect, Christian Carlassare nearly a year after he was shot and injured.

The consecration of the Bishop was postponed after he was shot in the legs on April 26, 2021 shortly after his nomination to lead Rumbek diocese.

The 44-year-old Italian had been serving as a missionary priest for Malakal diocese in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state since 2005.

On Monday, Carlassare held a private meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, 11 days before his episcopal consecration slated for March 25.

According to the Vatican, the pope, who is set to visit South Sudan’s capital city of Juba from July 5-7, prayed for Carlassare after the attack.

Carlassare, a member of the Comboni Missionaries, was shot in both legs just over a month after Pope Francis named him bishop of Rumbek. The Diocese of Rumbek in Lakes state became vacant in July 2011 upon the death of Comboni Missionary Bishop Cesare Mazzolari.

(ST)