Archbishop Mpundu died on Friday, May 15, while receiving treatment at Maina Soko Military Hospital in Lusaka.
In a statement issued the same day, Archbishop Alick Banda expresses “deep sorrow” at the passing on of his immediate predecessor and calls on the leadership of parishes and religious communities across the Zambian Archdiocese to facilitate the offering of Holy Mass for the repose of Archbishop Mpundu’s soul.
“Archbishop Mpundu served the Church with distinction,” Archbishop Banda says.
He adds that during his Episcopal Ministry, the late Archbishop Mpundu “also served multiple terms as President of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB).”
Archbishop Banda describes his immediate predecessor as a Catholic Church leader who “was widely respected for his strong advocacy on governance, social justice, and national affairs, courageously speaking out on matters of truth and justice while shepherding the faithful with compassion and wisdom.”
In March 2024, Archbishop Mpundu incurred excommunication after performing an illicit episcopal consecration without papal approval.
In a 21 November 2025 report, The Catholic Herald stated, “The founder of the Servants of the Holy Family, Bishop Anthony Ward, has revealed that he was secretly consecrated in a ceremony, which while valid was illicit, in 2024 by Archbishop Telesphore George Mpundu, the retired Archbishop of Lusaka.”
The publication added that Bishop Anthony Ward disclosed on 16 November 2025 that both he and Archbishop Mpundu had “received notice” from Víctor Manuel Cardinal Fernández informing them that they had incurred “latae sententiae excommunication” because the Episcopal Consecration had been carried out without Papal approval.
Later, in a 3 December 2025 publication, Zenit reported that Father Anthony D. Ward had acknowledged “that he received episcopal orders without papal authorization in March 2024” and had “effectively acknowledged the automatic excommunication that canon law imposes on any bishop who ordains without Rome’s approval, as well as on the man ordained.”
Zenit further reported, “The prelate who performed the rite was Archbishop Telesphore G. Mpundu, the retired head of the Archdiocese of Lusaka.”
Born in May 1947 at Kapatu Mission, Archbishop Mpundu was ordained a Priest in December 1972.
In March 1987, he was appointed Bishop of Mbala, now the Catholic Diocese of Mpika, where he served for 19 years.
He was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Lusaka in 2004 and succeeded as Archbishop in 2006.
In January 2018, aged 70, Archbishop Mpundu resigned, reportedly for canonical reasons.
In their condolence message addressed to Archbishop Banda, ZCCB members have conveyed their “most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Archdiocese of Lusaka, Priests, religious, laity and the bereaved family on the demise of the Archbishop Emeritus.”
“Archbishop Mpundu will be remembered not only for his dedicated spiritual leadership and pastoral care but also for his unwavering commitment to social justice, peace, and organizational integrity,” Zambia’s Catholic Bishops have said in the message signed by ZCCB President, Archbishop Ignatius Chama.
ZCCB members add that the late Archbishop Mpundu’s “profound legacy of service to the Church and the nation remains an enduring inspiration to us all.”
“Sincere condolences also go to his family and friends. Be assured that we are together in prayer during this time of mourning. May he be rewarded for his exemplary and generous service to the Church,” they say, adding, “We remain united in mourning the death of the late Most. Rev. Telesphore George Mpundu, with faith and hope in our risen Lord Jesus Christ. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Archbishop Banda has said funeral arrangements would be announced later.