The Catholic Bishop of Rumbek asked the Vatican to appoint a coadjutor bishop for Rumbek to assist him and take over from him when he resigns next year.
Bishop Caesar Mazzolari disclosed the request yesterday to the Rumbek Church personnel attending the diocesan assembly.
Bishop Mazzolari said he wrote a letter to the Pope’s representative in Khartoum with the request on January 6, the twelfth anniversary of his episcopal ordination.
He read out the letter and explained that the coadjutor bishop would become acquainted with the administration of the diocese while assisting him in its government.
Bishop Mazzolari said that the changing reality of Sudan after the referendum, his own physical weakness and the need for him to delegate episcopal tasks led him to write his request.
He said he would orient the new bishop in the management of Church personnel and the administration towards financial sustainability in a very extended and demanding diocese.
The Bishop said he will write a resignation letter when he turns 75 next year.
He also reiterated that he requested for a coadjutor and not an auxiliary bishop, for the priest appointed to have the right to succeed him at the helm of Rumbek diocese.
Bishop Mazzolari promised to continue serving of God’s people to the extent of his physical, spiritual and human strength.