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A coalition of lay faithful, clergy, and religious members of the Catholic Church in Zambia has petitioned Pope Leo XIVin in defense of the pastoral office of Lusaka Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda, amid growing reports of alleged state-sponsored attempts to have him removed or transferred.
The petitioners have appealed to the Holy See to reaffirm the Archbishop’s pastoral authority and to safeguard the autonomy of the Catholic Church in Zambia from political interference.
Petitioners’ Coordinator, Peter Sinkamba, who is Green Party President and People’s Pact Deputy Secretary General, together with Professor Naison Ngoma, formally presented the petition on January 30, 2026, to the Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, as well as the Secretariat of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB).
“We act as ordinary Catholics concerned for the Church’s freedom and canonical order. The Church’s mission is to be the conscience of the nation, and that mission cannot be subject to the whims of political actors,” reads part of the petition.
Reportedly signed by 2,000 Catholic faithful, the petition rejects alleged pressure from the Government of the Republic of Zambia to influence ecclesiastical appointments. The petitioners insist that secular authorities must not interfere in the Libertas Ecclesiae (Freedom of the Church).
According to the petition, Archbishop Banda is reportedly being targeted because of his unwavering commitment to Catholic Social Teaching, especially his “prophetic voice” on justice, governance, and the preferential option for the poor.
The petition cites Canon 377 §1, which stipulates that the appointment and removal of bishops is the sole prerogative of the Supreme Pontiff. The petitioners argue that unresolved civil allegations or political displeasure do not constitute “grave causes” for removal under Canon Law.
The signatories further express deep concern over what they describe as “state-sponsored persecution.” They also request that the Holy See retain Archbishop Banda even in the event of any unjust detention arising from his defense of Church principles.
“The handover of this petition marks a significant moment in Church–State relations in Zambia, as the faithful seek to ensure that the ‘Shepherd of Lusaka’ remains protected by the universal laws of the Church,” the petitioners said.
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