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Désiré Tsarahazana

Stored: Désiré Tsarahazana

His Eminence Désiré Tsarahazana
Bishop of Archdiocese of Toamasina
Home diocese: Archdiocese of Toamasina
Other diocese 1: Diocese of Fenoarivo Atsinanana
Other diocese 2:
Other diocese 3:
Ordination: 28 September 1986 by Archbishop Albert Joseph Tsiahoana
Consecration: 18 February 2001 by Archbishop Albert Joseph Tsiahoana
Rank: Cardinal
Created cardinal: 28 June 2018 by Pope Francis
Personal details
Born: Désiré Tsarahazana
13 June 1954
Amboangibe, Sava Region, Madagascar
Died:
Nationality: Malagasy
Education: Minor Seminary of Mahajanga, Antsiranana Seminary, Antananarivo Seminary
Motto: "Sois vainqueur du mal par le bien" (Conquer Evil with Good)
Role: Diocesan
Theology: Conservative
Region: Africa
Rite: Roman Rite
Conclave Eligibility: Eligible


Cardinal Désiré Tsarahazana, born (1954-06-13) June 13, 1954 (age 71), is a Malagasy prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as Archbishop of Toamasina since 2010 and president of the Episcopal Conference of Madagascar since 2012.[1] Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2018, he is known for advocating for Madagascar’s poor, denouncing corruption and resource exploitation, and defending traditional family values, notably in 2024 when he emphasized marriage as a procreative union between a man and woman, rejecting modern ideologies.[2] His motto, “Sois vainqueur du mal par le bien” (Conquer Evil with Good, Romans 12:21), reflects his mission to combat social injustices, as seen in his 2021 meeting with President Andry Rajoelina to address inflation and insecurity.[3] At 70, Tsarahazana is one of 19 African cardinal-electors in the 2025 papal conclave, starting May 7, where he attended Pope Francis’ funeral rites, gave a final salute, and joined pre-conclave meetings, representing Madagascar’s Church.[4][5]

Ordained a priest in 1986, Tsarahazana has served as Bishop of Fenoarivo Atsinanana (2000–2008) and led initiatives like Toamasina’s “listening cell,” aiding the marginalized, including non-Christians, with legal support.[2] His 2022 interview with Aid to the Church in Need highlighted Madagascar’s vibrant Catholic faith but stressed the need for deeper lived faith amid poverty and resource contrasts.[6] In April 2025, Tsarahazana traveled to Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral, joined by Bishop Marie Fabien Raharilamboniaina, and participated in general congregations, emphasizing hope and service for Madagascar’s future.[5] While his conservative stance and pastoral focus resonate in Africa, his global profile limits papabile speculation, though his voice carries weight for the Global South.[4]

Biography

Birth and early life

Désiré Tsarahazana was born on June 13, 1954, in Amboangibe, Sava Region, Madagascar, to Tsarahazana Régis and Lahady Pauline.[1] Raised in a Catholic family in a resource-rich but impoverished region, he attended local schools before entering the Minor Seminary of Mahajanga at age 16 in 1970, discerning a priestly vocation.[7] His early life amid Madagascar’s socio-economic challenges shaped his advocacy for the poor.[8]

Growing up in a majority-Christian nation, Tsarahazana’s faith was nurtured by Madagascar’s Catholic community, leading him to pursue seminary studies.[6] His parents’ support reinforced his commitment to service.[7]

Education

Tsarahazana studied at the Minor Seminary of Mahajanga (1970–1976), continued at Antsiranana Seminary (1976–1978), and completed philosophy and theology at Antananarivo Seminary (1979–1986), earning a bachelor’s degree in theology.[1] His formation focused on pastoral ministry in Madagascar’s diverse cultural context.[9] He was ordained a deacon on August 15, 1985, in Andapa.[7]

Fluent in Malagasy, French, and likely English (used in episcopal roles, though unconfirmed), his education prepared him for leadership in Madagascar’s multilingual society.[2] His theological training emphasized Gospel-based social justice.[8]

Priesthood

Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Antsiranana on September 28, 1986, by Archbishop Albert Joseph Tsiahoana, Tsarahazana served as vicar in Mananara Nord (1987–1990), educator at St. John Seminary in Antsiranana, and diocesan correspondent for seminarians.[1] He also led the preparatory seminary, focusing on vocational formation.[9] His ministry prioritized youth and education.[7]

His priesthood included pastoral visits and sacramental work, such as confirming 165 people in 2018, reflecting his hands-on approach.[8] His early roles built his reputation as a community-focused priest.[2]

Bishop

Appointed Bishop of Fenoarivo Atsinanana on October 30, 2000, by Pope John Paul II, Tsarahazana was consecrated on February 18, 2001, by Archbishop Albert Joseph Tsiahoana.[1] Named Bishop of Toamasina on November 24, 2008, by Pope Benedict XVI, he became archbishop when Toamasina was elevated to an archdiocese in 2010.[10] Elevated to cardinal in 2018, he received the titular church of San Gregorio Barbarigo alle Tre Fontane.[9]

As bishop, Tsarahazana denounced corruption, established Toamasina’s “listening cell” for the marginalized, and defended traditional marriage in 2024.[2] In 2025, he attended Pope Francis’ funeral and conclave preparations.[5]

Diocese Role Start Date End Date Notes
Diocese of Fenoarivo Atsinanana Bishop 30 October 2000 24 November 2008 Consecrated in 2001
Archdiocese of Toamasina Bishop 24 November 2008 26 February 2010 Became archbishop in 2010
Archdiocese of Toamasina Archbishop 26 February 2010 Present Elevated to cardinal in 2018

Significant events

  • Entered Minor Seminary of Mahajanga, 1970.[1]
  • Ordained priest for Antsiranana, 1986.[1]
  • Appointed Bishop of Fenoarivo Atsinanana, 2000.[1]
  • Named Bishop of Toamasina, 2008.[1]
  • Became Archbishop of Toamasina, 2010.[1]
  • Elected president of Episcopal Conference of Madagascar, 2012.[4]
  • Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis, 2018.[1]
  • Denounced Islamization concerns, 2018.[7]
  • Met President Rajoelina on socio-economic issues, 2021.[3]
  • Clarified Pope Francis’ stance on civil unions, 2022.[11]
  • Highlighted need for deeper faith, 2022.[6]
  • Defended traditional marriage values, 2024.[2]
  • Attended Pope Francis’ funeral and conclave preparations, 2025.[5]

Books

Written about the bishop

  • No specific biographies dedicated to Cardinal Tsarahazana were identified.

Written by the bishop

  • No books authored by Cardinal Tsarahazana were identified. He has issued pastoral letters and statements through the Archdiocese of Toamasina and the Episcopal Conference of Madagascar, but no published books are documented.

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 "Désiré Tsarahazana". Wikipedia. 2018-05-20. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9sir%C3%A9_Tsarahazana. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Cardinal in Madagascar Defends Traditional Family Values". ACI Africa. 2024-08-29. https://www.aciafrica.org/news/10876/cardinal-in-madagascar-defends-traditional-family-values-advocates-for-deepening-faith-unity-amid-global-challenges. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Cardinal Tsarahazana Désiré à Iavoloha". La Vérité. 2021-07-28. https://laverite.mg/cardinal-tsarahazana-desire-a-iavoloha-les-catholiques-sopposent-a-la-violence-et-lattentat-a-la-vie/. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Conclave: Who will elect the next Pope". Vatican News. 2025-04-29. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-04/conclave-who-will-elect-the-next-pope.html. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Post by @FedericoCiacca3". X. 2025-04-25. https://t.co/PBjp2KtZZ5. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Désiré Tsarahazana". Wikiwand. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/D%C3%A9sir%C3%A9_Tsarahazana. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 "Désiré Tsarahazana". Wikipedia (French). 2018-05-22. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9sir%C3%A9_Tsarahazana. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "New Madagascar Cardinal Focuses on Peace and the Gospel". Vatican News. 2018-07-01. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2018-07/new-madagascar-cardinal-focuses-on-peace-and-the-gospel.html. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "Cardinal Désiré Tsarahazana". Vatican Press. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinals_bio_tsarahazana_d.html. 
  10. ↑ "Désiré Cardinal Tsarahazana". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/btsar.html. 
  11. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named web22
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