Facing unexpected public protests over its choice of bishop in a Sierra Leone diocese, the Vatican has dispatched a papal envoy to try and placate the faithful.
Apostolic Nuncio for West Africa, Archbishop Anthony Sammy, arrived in Freetown on Friday to take up stalled negotiations with local faithful who have objected to the January appointment of Rev. Fr. Henry Aruna as bishop of Makeni diocese, one of the four Catholic dioceses in Sierra Leone.
The faithful had expected a member of the local congregation to be named to the See following the resignation of Italian George Biguzzi last year.
Makeni, located in the north of the country, is one of the oldest and the most prosperous dioceses in the country.
The lay faithful and religious leaders in Makeni say the appointment of the bishop against their wishes was “insensitive.”
Several meetings held on the issue with church authorities failed to reach a solution.
Several meetings held on the issue with church authorities failed to reach a solution.
Rebellion
Since January, diocesan activities in Makeni have virtually ground to a standstill.
There have even been instances of violence involving police and rebellious priests who are threatening to split from the church unless a bishop who is from the region is appointed.
There have even been instances of violence involving police and rebellious priests who are threatening to split from the church unless a bishop who is from the region is appointed.
Unless there is a drastic change of plans by the Vatican, the new bishop, rev. Henry Aruna, is due for ordination and installation sometime in April.
However, how he will manage to lead the diocese amid the rebellion is another matter.