POPE Francis has nominated Father Francesco Airodi as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Monze.

In a communique to Catholic bishops and Diocesan Administrators of dioceses in Zambia, the Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, Archbishop Gianfranco Gallone said appointment of Father Airodi follows the sadden death of His Lordship Moses Hamungole, Bishop of Monze Diocese.

“Father Airodi belongs to the Fidei donum priests of the Archdiocese of Milan. He is currently working in Monze Diocese as Parish Priest of Divine Mercy, Kafue George. Prior to working in Monze Diocese, Father Airodi worked in the Archdiocese of Lusaka from 2007 to 2019,” he said.

Archbishop Gallone said Father
Airodi will continue to govern the Diocese of Monze, until a new Bishop is appointed.

This is contained in a media statement issued by the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, Communications secretary Father Winfield Kunda.

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has expressed regret at the demise of two traditional leaders.

And the President says the loss of renowned Zambian Jesuit priest of Irish origin Professor Father Michael Kelly is a great loss to the nation.

Meanwhile, the Head of State has sympathised with the bereaved family of the late former Deputy Gender Minister and past Patriotic Front Member of Parliament for Chililabombwe Constituency Esther Banda.

In a media statement issued by special assistant to the President for press and public relations, Isaac Chimpampe, President Lungu said he regrets the demise of His Royal Highness Chief Mukwikile of the Bemba speaking people of Shiwang’andu District in Muchinga Province who died on Sunday, January 17 this year.

“On behalf of the Government, the people of Zambia and indeed on my own behalf, l wish to convey our sincere condolences to the bereaved Royal family, relatives and the people of Shiwang’andu District. May the Almighty God grant them peace as they go through this difficult situation. May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace,” he said.

The President also expressed saddened at the death of His Royal Highness Chief Kucheka of the Luvale speaking people of Zambezi District in North Western Province who passed away on January 8, this year.

“On behalf of the Government, the people of Zambia and indeed on my on behalf, l wish to convey our sincere condolences to the bereaved Royal family and the people of Zambezi District. It is my sincere prayer that the family and the entire district will find solace and fortitude in the Almighty God. May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace,” reads part of the President’s message of condolences.

Meanwhile, President Lungu said the death of renowned Zambian Jesuit priest of Irish origin Professor Kelly who passed away at the age of 92 is a great loss to the nation.

He commended the significant contribution and distinguished service that Professor Kelly made to Zambia’s the education sector and as a campaigner in the fight against HIV/AIDS and overall development.

“On behalf of the Zambian Government, the people and indeed on my own behalf, we share in your grief and pray the Almighty God may grant you fortitude and solace during this difficult time. May the soul of Professor Kelly rest in eternal peace,” the President said.

And the Head of State
has sympathised with the bereaved family of the late Mrs Banda who died on January 17, this year.

The President regrets the demise of Mrs Banda who served as Deputy Gender Minister between 2011 and 2016.

“Mrs Banda was an asset not only to the Patriotic Front but the entire nation. On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the people and indeed on my own behalf, l wish to convey sincere condolences to the bereaved family. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.