President Hakainde Hichilema has expressed deep sorrow following the passing of Emeritus Archbishop of Lusaka, Most Rev. Telesphore George Mpundu.
Archbishop Mpundu died yesterday after an illness, according to church authorities.
In his condolence message, President Hichilema said the late Archbishop will be remembered for his distinguished spiritual leadership, humility, and strong commitment to dialogue, peace, justice, and national unity.
“It is with profound sorrow that we have learnt of the passing of His Grace Telesphore George Mpundu, Archbishop Emeritus of Lusaka,” he wrote.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church in Zambia, the Archdiocese of Lusaka, and the Catholic faithful across the country,” the President added.
Archbishop Mpundu had been admitted to Maina Soko Medical Centre in March this year, where he was receiving medical treatment.
Lusaka Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda said in a statement announcing his death that funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
Born on May 21, 1947, at Kapatu Mission, Archbishop Mpundu was ordained to the priesthood in 1972 and later consecrated as Bishop in 1987.
He served as Bishop of Mbala, now Mpika Diocese, for 19 years before being appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Lusaka in 2004. He later became Archbishop of Lusaka in 2006, a position he held until his retirement in 2018 due to age and health reasons.
During his episcopal ministry, Archbishop Mpundu also served several terms as President of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), where he was widely respected for his outspoken views on governance, social justice, and national affairs.
