Archbishop Tesfaye Tadesse Elected President of the Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia

Comboni missionary Mgr. Tesfaye Tadesse was elected and appointed as the new president of the new Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia (CBCE) on August 6, 2026 during the 60^th Regular Annual Assembly held in Addis Ababa. He also assumes the role of Chancellor of the Ethiopian Catholic University by virtue of his office.

The election followed the retirement of Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, C.M., who served as President of the Conference and Chancellor of Ethiopian Catholic University for many years.

“The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia expresses its profound gratitude to His Eminence Cardinal Abune Berhaneyesus for his dedicated leadership over the past 28 years. Through his vision, commitment, and pastoral guidance, the Conference achieved significant growth and numerous accomplishments in its mission of serving the Church and society in Ethiopia”, the CBCE says in a statement.

“The Conference – the statement adds – extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to His Grace Archbishop Tesfaselassie Tadesse on his election. United in prayer, the bishops ask God’s abundant blessings upon his ministry and leadership, trusting that his service as President will be fruitful and grace-filled for the Church in Ethiopia”.

Mgr. Tesfaye will inaugurate his service as the new Archbishop of Addis Ababa on September 6, 2026.