Mozambique: Pope transfers Bishop of Pemba – AIM report

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Mozambique: Pope transfers Bishop of Pemba – AIM report

11:59 CAT | 12 Feb 2021

File photo: Lusa

Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, has transferred the Bishop of the northern Mozambican diocese of Pemba, Luis Fernando Lisboa, to the diocese of Cachoeiro de Itapemerim, in his native Brazil.

A note from the Vatican press office said the Pope has also awarded Lisboa the title of Archbishop ad personam (this is a title bestowed on a cleric personally by the Pope: the title is thus invested in the individual and not in a specific diocese).

Pope Francis appointed the Auxiliary Bishop of Maputo, Antonio Sandramo, as Apostolic Administrator of the Pemba diocese, while it does not have a bishop of its own.

Lisboa has played an important role in supporting the hundreds of thousands of people of Cabo Delgado who have been displaced from their homes by islamist terrorists. Despite this, the Bishop has been the victim of a scurrilous campaign on Mozambican social media, spearheaded by people who claim to be supporters of the ruling Frelimo Party (although the most prominent member of this group used to be an outspoken supporter of the main opposition party, Renamo, who changed his political allegiance when Renamo lost the 2014 general elections).

In reaction to the Bishop’s transfer, there have been cackles of delight from his opponents on Facebook, as if the Pope took his decision in response to their insults. The hatred on display in this campaign is remarkable, with declarations that Lisboa “should never have left Brazil”, and accusations that he is “an intriguer”, “a racist”, and even “a disguised terrorist”.

Lisboa has been Bishop of Pemba since 2013, and there is nothing particularly remarkable about a transfer after over seven years of service in the diocese. It has, however, been suggested that Pope Francis acted because of threats to Lisboa’s life. The Mozambican government did not request Lisboa’s transfer.

Lisboa met with the Pope last December, in the Vatican, before heading to Brazil, for health reasons. He is expected to return to Pemba in late February to bid farewell to the diocese.

Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, in the eastern Brazilian State of Espírito Santo, has been without a bishop since November, 2018. Lisboa’s appointment was immediately welcomed by the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB).

A note from the CNBB said “We praise your missionary presence as a bishop in Pemba, a diocese located in a region marked by war that has already killed more than 2,000 people and more than 500,000 displacements. We also highlight your contribution to the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique, serving as secretary-general and coordinator of the Social Department”.

Source: AIM