Pope Francis postpones consecration of Rumbek Bishop-elect

JUBA — The Holy See has postponed the consecration of the Bishop-Elect of Rumbek several months after he was wounded in a shooting that triggered condemnation from the government of South Sudan and the Church.

Bishop Christian Carlassare, 43, was wounded ahead of a planned consecration in Rumbek by unknown armed men in Rumbek town, the capital of the country’s restive Lakes state.

“It my duty to inform you, on behalf of the Holy See, that the episcopal consecration of the Bishop – Elect of Rumbek, Rev. Christian Carlassare, has been postponed to 2022, at a date still to be determined,” Bert van Megan, Apostolic Nuncio said in a letter dated October 30, 2021.

“In this time of reflection and preparation, I commend the Bishop – Elect and the diocese of Rumbek to your fervent prayers,” the statement added.