Pope Francis Accepts Retirement of Algeria’s Alger Archbishop, Appoints Successor

He was ordained a Priest in 2001, and completed his studies in Jerusalem before arriving in Algeria in 2002.

In 2010, the Archbishop-elect was elected Provincial Superior of the Dominicans in France, three years before Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of Oran Diocese.

In a message to the faithful of Oran Diocese, the Archbishop-elect says his installation has been scheduled to take place February 11.

“Leaving the Diocese of Oran was not really something I envisaged, but I am sure that this change will bring new richness and fruitfulness. In any case, this is my wish on the eve of the new year,” the Archbishop-elect says in his message dated December 27.

Addressing himself to those who have been under his pastoral care in Oran Diocese, the Dominican Prelate adds, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being brothers and sisters to me. I ask forgiveness from those I might have hurt or neglected in spite of myself.”

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“I am grateful for everything we have experienced, and that is a lot. I entrust everything to God’s grace with confidence,” Archbishop-elect Vesco says.

In a separate message to the people of God in Alger Archdiocese, the Archbishop-elect says, “It is an office and an honor that until recently were not in my mind, but I receive them with confidence and joy.”

“I wish everyone a good year of mutual discovery and journey together, and I greet you fraternally,” he adds.

Once installed, Archbishop-elect Vesco is expected to oversee the Algerian Archdiocese that measures 54,927 km² with an estimated population of just 4,000 Catholics, according to 2018 statistics.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.