African Catholic Bishops mourn Most Rev. Bernardin Francis Mfumbusa

The Catholic Church in Africa mourns Most Rev. Bernardin Francis Mfumbusa deceased on April 14, 2026. Following this sad news, the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) issued the same day a message of condolence. Member of SECAM Standing Committee, Bishop Mfumbusa was a prominent figure in Catholic social communications in Africa.

In a statement addressed to Most Rev. Wolfgang Pisa, President of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference, Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu, President of SECAM, expressed “deep sorrow and profound grief” at the passing of the Bishop of Kondoa, Tanzania.

Bishop Mfumbusa was widely recognized for his leadership in advancing evangelization through social communications. Member of SECAM Standing Committee since August 2025, he served as President of the Pan-African Episcopal Committee for Social Communications (CEPACS). His recent appointment by Pope Leo XIV to the Dicastery for Communication, Vatican City, highlighted his expertise and commitment to using media and digital platforms in the Church’s mission.

Bishop Mfumbusa’s visionary leadership

Cardinal Ambongo described the late prelate as a “shining example of pastoral dedication” and a passionate advocate for integrating communication tools into evangelization efforts. He noted that Bishop Mfumbusa’s humility, pastoral warmth, and visionary leadership inspired many across the continent and beyond.

Bishop Mfumbusa’s predecessor as CEPACS President, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Nigeria, paid tribute to “a real gentleman” highlighting his “competence in social communications and availability to serve the Church in Africa”.

The condolence message extended sympathies to the Tanzania Episcopal Conference, the Diocese of Kondoa, and the late bishop’s family and collaborators.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire the Church’s mission of evangelization through new media,” the statement concluded.

Bishop Mfumbusa’s passing marks a significant loss for the African Church, particularly in the field of social communications, where his influence helped shape a more dynamic and connected evangelization approach.

SECAM Communications Office