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Pope Francis Accepts Resignation of Bishop of São Tomé and Principe Diocese Aged 62

Bishop Manuel António Mendes dos Santos. Credit: Agência ECCLESIA/MC

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Manuel António Mendes dos Santos of the Catholic Diocese of São Tomé and Príncipe in the African island nation close to the equator.

The acceptance of the resignation of the 62-year-old Bishop who started his Episcopal Ministry in São Tomé and Principe Diocese in March 2007 was published by the Holy See Press office on Wednesday, July 13.

Bishops are expected to submit their respective letters of retirement at the age of 75. Compelling reasons such as “ill-health or other grave problems” justify the offering of such a letter of resignation.

The Holy See Press Office report does not give reason for the resignation of the successor of Bishop Abílio Rodas de Sousa Ribas who had been at the helm of the Diocese since February 1985.

Bishop António was ordained a Priest in the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians) in June 1985. 

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Until his appointment as the Bishop of São Tomé and Príncipe Diocese, the native of Portugal had served as Provincial Superior of the Portuguese Claretian Province. He had also served as the President of the National Conference of Major Superiors of Religious Institutes.

In March 2020, Bishop António met with the country’s Minister of Health to deliberate on the ways the Catholic Church can be instrumental in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.

Both parties discussed issues related to preventive measures with Bishop António expressing the will of the Catholic Church to support the government.

“This virus does not choose the people and therefore it is a battle we all must fight. We are ready to support the government in sensitizing our people about this disease,” Bishop António said.

He further said in reference to the collaboration, “Right now I think we have to forget our political backgrounds, our rivalries and join hands together and fight this epidemic that has brought fear and panic to our people.”

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Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.