Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father Benedict XVI accepted the resignation presented, upon having reached the age limit, by His Exc. Mgr. Piergiuseppe Vacchelli, Titular Archbishop of Minturno, as Adjunct Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and President of the Pontifical Mission Societies, and is succeeded by His Exc. Mgr. Protase Rugambwa, Bishop of Kigoma, elevating him to the dignity of Archbishop. The news was announced at noon by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Cardinal Fernando Filoni, to the staff of the Congregation of the Pontifical Mission Societies, priests, men nad women religious and laity. His Exc. Mgr. Savio Hon Tai Fai, Secretary of the Congregation was present and also His Exc. Mgr. Vacchelli, who delivered a brief farewell speech, thanking those present for their collaboration and assuring his memento in prayer, which will mark his days as the Pope has listed him among the members of the Chapter of St. Peter.
His Exc. Mgr. Protase Rugambwa was born on May 31, 1960 in Bunena, in the diocese of Bukoba. After his primary studies in various schools and his secondary education in the Minor Seminaries of Katoke and Itaga, he studied philosophy at Kibosho Senior Seminary and Theology at St. Charles Lwanga Segerea Senior Seminary. He was ordained a priest on 2 September 1990 in Dar-es-Salaam, by the Servant of God John Paul II during His Pastoral visit in Tanzania, and incardinated in the diocese of Rulenge. After ordination he has held the following offices: 1990-1991: Parish Vicar in the parish of Mabira; 1991-1994: Teacher in the Minor Seminary of Katoke, diocesan commissioned of the Liturgy and Chaplain of the hospital of Biharamulo; 1994-1998: Studies for a Doctorate in Pastoral Theology at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome; 1998-1999: Seminarians of the spiritual year instructor, Director of Vocations in the Diocese of Rulenge, Executive Secretary of the Department of Pastoral Care; 2000-2002: Vicar General of the diocese of Rulenge and Moderator of Staff; 2002-2008: Official of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. On 18 January 2008, Holy Father Benedict XVI appointed him as Bishop of the Diocese of Kigoma (Tanzania). He received his episcopal consecration the following April 13. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 26/6/2012)
