AFRICA/ANGOLA - The Pope appoints a new Bishop of Mbanza Congo

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father, Benedict XVI, on 5 January 2009, appointed Rev. Fr. Vicente Carlos Kiaziku, O.F.M. Cap., general councillor of his Order, as Bishop of the diocese of Mbanza Congo in Angola.
The new Bishop was born on 28 August 1957 at Kimacaka- Bamba, diocese of Uíje (Angola). After school and studies in philosophy in Angola, he was sent to the School of Theology of the Capuchin Friars in Venice, Italy. He took the capuchin habit on 22 September 1974, made his first profession on 28 September 1975, and his perpetual profession on 10 June 1984. He was ordained a priest on 2 June 1985 and then continued his studies for a Licentiate in Education Sciences at the Università Salesiana in Rome. On returning to his home country he was put in charge of formation for the Friars in the Vice-Province of Angola while teaching at Uíje Major Seminary. He was also master of postulants and novices; first councillor of the vice-province of Angola and general councillor for Africa. On 17 July 2000 he was elected councillor general of his order, a post which he still holds. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 9/1/2009; righe 14, parole 198)