By Kamugisha Leonard Akida
GULU
Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop John Baptist Odama of Gulu, and appointed Nebbi Bishop Raphael p’Mony, the new Archbishop of the Archdiocese.
The news of Archbishop Odama resignation was announced by the Apostolic Nuncio this afternoon on March 22, 2024.
“The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the Archdiocese of Gulu presented by Archbishop John Baptist Odama, for reaching the age limit, according to Can 401, § 1 of the Code of Canon Law,” read a letter by the Apostolic Nuncio.
According to the letter, the pontiff appointed the Archbishop Emeritus Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Gulu until the day of the canonical possession by the new Archbishop.
He will be replaced by the Nebbi diocese Bishop, Rt. Rev. Raphael p’Mony Wokorach who has been appointed to shepherd God’s flock as the new Archbishop of metropolitan Archdiocese of Gulu.
“His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Gulu, the Rt. rev. Raphael p’Mony Wokorach, M.C.C.J (Combonian Missionary of the Heart of Jesus], until now the Bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese,” letter added.
Odama has been the Archbishop of Gulu for 25yrs since 1999 and had served as the Bishop of Nebbi for 3 years (from 1996-1999). His resignation is as a result of clocking to the recommended 75yrs age limit. The Apostolic Nunciature expressed its gratitude to Odama for his generous service during his reign as the Archbishop.
Dates for the installation and consecration for the new Archbishop will be communicated by the Archdiocese.
