Pope Francis Erects New Diocese in South Sudan, Transfers Catholic Bishop of Rumbek as Pioneer Local Ordinary

The Italian-born member of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ), who was ordained a Priest in September 2004 and commissioned to South Sudan spent all his life as a Priest in Malakal Diocese.

Pope Francis appointed him Bishop for Rumbek Diocese in March 2021. His Episcopal Consecration that had been initially scheduled for Pentecost Sunday that year (23 May 2021) was postponed indefinitely after he was shot in both legs on 26 April 2021.

On his second Episcopal anniversary earlier this year, Bishop Carlassare reflected on “The Pact of Catacombs”, a November 1965 document that a section of Catholic Bishops participating in the Second Vatican Council signed to express their personal commitments to the ideals of the Council.

In his homily during the March 25 celebration, the 46-year-old Catholic Church leader highlighted the 13 commitments of the Bishop signatories, lauding their particular focus on evangelical poverty and a simple lifestyle.

When installed as Local Ordinary of Bentiu Diocese, Bishop Carlassare will oversee the new Diocese that is starting off with seven Parishes, seven Diocesan Priests, four Religious Priests, 10 Major Seminarians, and two Male religious institutes, according to the July 3 Holy See report.

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