Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II accepted, 20 November 2004, the renunciation of the pastoral government of the diocese of Mangochi (Malawi), presented by Bishop Alessandro Assolari, S.M.M., in conformity with the Code of Canon Law, canon 401 § 1. On the same day the Pope appointed Bishop of Mangochi (Malawi) Reverend Father Luciano Nervi, S.M.M., Montfort Missionary, and a former missionary in Malawi.
The new Bishop was born in Sforzatica di Dalmine (Bergamo, Italy) 26 January 1938. He studied in Italy. He has a licentiate in theology from the Lateran University, a degree in Letters and a diploma in journalism and social sciences from the Catholic University of Milan. Since then he has taught Italy; been a missionary in Malawi at the service of Mangochi diocese at Utale ; parish priest; Regional Superior; Vicar General. Since 1987 he has been in Italy.
The diocese of Mangochi (1973), is a suffragan of the archdiocese of Blantyre. It has an area of 11,385 sq. km, a population of 1,180,000, including 205,000 Catholics, gathered in 16 parishes, assisted by 117 priests (44 diocesan, 72 religious, including 22 Montfort Fathers and 1 fidei donum), 56 Sisters, 45 major seminarians, 50 full time paid catechists and 265 voluntary catechists. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 20/11/2004; Righe 14; Parole 194)