Activist, Archbishop Mpundu, dies at 79. Six things to remember about him

The controversial Emeritus Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lusaka Archbishop Telesphore George Mpundu has died aged 79, Metropolitan Archbishop of Lusaka Most Reverend Dr. Alick Banda has announced.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, Banda said Archbishop Mpundu served the Catholic Church with distinction.

“It is with deep sorrow that I inform the faithful, clergy, religious, and all people of goodwill of the passing of the Emeritus Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lusaka, Most Rev. Telesphore George Mpundu,” he said.

Key things to remember about late Archbishop Telesphore George Mpundu:

1. He was born on May 21, 1947 at Kapatu Mission and ordained to the priesthood in 1972.

2. Mpundu was installed Bishop in 1987 and served as Bishop of Mbala (now Mpika) for 19 years, before being appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Lusaka in 2004.

3. He succeeded as Archbishop in 2006, a position he held until his retirement in 2018.

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4. During his episcopal ministry, Archbishop Mpundu also served multiple terms as President of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB).

5. He 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.

6. In 2024, he consecrated Anthony Ward, the founder of the Servants of the Holy Family, as a bishop. This action took place without approval of the Holy See, so Archbishop Mpundu incurred the canonical penalty of excommunication

Banda has since asked all Parishes and religious communities in the Archdiocese to offer a Mass of Suffrage for the repose of the soul of the Emeritus.

He said the funeral programme would be communicated in due course.

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