New Archbishop of Addis Ababa installed in sign of generational continuity

By Bezawit Assefa Bogale – Addis Ababa

The Eucharistic celebration for the official installation of Archbishop Tesfaye (Tesfasilasie) Tadesse Gebresilasie, M.C.C.J., as the new Archbishop of Addis Ababa was held on September 6, 2026, at the Nativity Catholic Cathedral in Addis Ababa.

Conducted in accordance with the canon law and traditions of the Catholic Church, the installation ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, Archbishop Emeritus of Addis Ababa.

The celebration began with a symbolic rite in which Archbishop Tesfaselassie knocked three times on the cathedral door before entering.

The three knocks represented the Holy Trinity and marked the beginning of the Eucharistic celebration and his formal assumption of leadership of the Archdiocese.

A message from Pope Leo XIV was presented by the representative of the Holy See. The papal letter officially announced Archbishop Tesfaselassie’s appointment and conveyed the Holy Father’s message of communion, gratitude, and encouragement.

In his homily, Archbishop Brian Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio to Ethiopia, expressed his best wishes to the new Archbishop and encouraged him to shepherd the Archdiocese in the example of Christ, the Good Shepherd, leading with love, humility, and the power of the Cross.

Archbishop Tesfaselassie, in turn, pledged to serve the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa through the grace and love of Christ.

He received the symbols of his pastoral ministry, including the liturgical vestments and the shepherd’s staff, from Cardinal Berhaneyesus and was formally installed in the Archbishop’s See.

This solemn act signified the continuity of apostolic leadership and the Church’s mission in the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa.

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The Eucharistic celebration brought together Ethiopian Catholic Bishops and episcopal delegates, representatives of the Holy See, bishops and priests from several African countries, AMECEA delegates, representatives of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, diplomats, leaders of partner organizations, superiors of religious communities, priests, religious brothers and sisters, lay faithful, and numerous invited guests.

For nearly 27 years, Cardinal Berhaneyesus faithfully served as Archbishop of Addis Ababa, guiding the local Church with dedication and pastoral wisdom.

During the celebration, various individuals and institutions expressed their gratitude for his long and fruitful service to the Church in Ethiopia.

Archbishop Tesfaselassie brings to this new responsibility a wealth of pastoral and missionary experience.

A member of the Comboni Missionaries, he has served the Church in numerous capacities at both national and international levels, culminating in his service as Superior General of the Comboni Missionaries worldwide.

By succeeding Cardinal Berhaneyesus, he now begins a new chapter of leadership and service for the Catholic Church in Ethiopia.

The celebration concluded with a deeply moving and symbolic gesture.

Cardinal Berhaneyesus and Archbishop Tesfaselassie knelt together before the altar and humbly asked for the prayers and solidarity of the Catholic faithful and all people of goodwill.

Their kneeling expressed the spiritual readiness of a shepherd to embrace, with humility and faith, all the responsibilities, sacrifices, challenges, and consequences that accompany service in the Church.

In that moment, the outgoing and incoming Archbishops offered a powerful witness to the true nature of Christian leadership: a ministry rooted not in authority or privilege, but in humble service, fidelity to God’s will, and reliance on the prayers of the People of God.

The ceremony was therefore not only the installation of a new Archbishop but also a powerful sign of generational continuity in Church leadership, reflecting the passing of pastoral responsibility from one shepherd to another in a spirit of faith, gratitude, communion, and hope.