The New Archbishop of Addis Ababa receives the Pallium

The Ethiopian community welcomed the new archbishop of the capital with a celebration that accompanied the ceremony in the College chapel, located near the Vatican, with traditional drums, songs, and dances.

Present at the celebration were priests of the Eastern rites, representatives of the Comboni Missionaries, religious sisters, laypeople, and numerous friends, including several Ethiopians living in Rome. Members of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches also attended, among them Bishops Michel Jalakh and Filippo Ciampanelli, respectively Secretary and Undersecretary of the Dicastery.

After a brief moment of prayer, Cardinal Gugerotti presented the pallium, highlighting the spiritual and ecclesial significance of this symbol, which had been blessed by the Pope and placed on the tomb of Saint Peter before the ceremony.

Pope Leo XIV had entrusted the cardinal with presiding over the ceremony before his admission to the Gemelli University Hospital.

The pallium is a white woollen band adorned with six black silk crosses, worn over the shoulders by metropolitan archbishops. It symbolises communion with the Holy Father and the bond with the universal Church.

It also recalls the responsibility to serve, guide, and care for the Christian communities entrusted to their pastoral ministry.

In his address, Archbishop Tesfaye thanked Pope Leo XIV for the trust placed in him and for the closeness he had shown. He also expressed his gratitude to everyone who had taken part in the celebration.

The new archbishop also voiced his concern about the instability and conflicts affecting various regions of Ethiopia.

He further highlighted the challenges facing the population, particularly food shortages linked to climate change.

In the face of these challenges, Archbishop Tesfaye reaffirmed his commitment to remaining close to his people and working together with them to seek paths towards peace.

The celebration concluded with a shared meal in an atmosphere of fraternity and fellowship.

The Ethiopian community in Rome renewed its expression of gratitude through traditional songs, in a festive gathering that brought everyone present together in a shared act of thanksgiving.

Fr David Domingues, MCCJ