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Father Tesfaye Tadesse Appointed Archeparch of Addis Ababa
Friday, June 12, 2026
Today, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV appointed the current Auxiliary Bishop of Addis Ababa, the Comboni missionary Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie, as the new head of the Archeparchy of Addis Ababa, entrusting to him its pastoral governance. The prelate succeeds Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, who will celebrate his 78th birthday next July and who has led the Church of Addis Ababa since June 1999.
The new Metropolitan Archbishop, a native of Harar, joined the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus in 1986 and was ordained a priest in 1995. He studied Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University and obtained a Licentiate in Islamic Studies from the Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies (PISAI) in Rome. He also completed a formation programme at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome.
He served in parish ministry, was Director of the Comboni School in Haro Wato, in his home country, and held various positions within his religious institute, serving as Superior General from 2015 until 6 November 2024, when he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Addis Ababa. He received episcopal ordination on 2 February 2025.
The General Council and all the members of the Comboni Institute congratulate him and express their joy at this new and demanding ministry, assuring him of their continued affection and closeness. They also feel honoured by the Holy Father's decision and wish to assure Bishop Tesfaye of their constant prayers, that the Holy Spirit and the Heart of Jesus may sustain and guide him in the fulfilment of the mission entrusted to him.