Dieudonné Nzapalainga
Stored: Dieudonné Nzapalainga
| His Eminence Dieudonné Nzapalainga | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Bangui | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of Bossangoa |
| Other diocese 1: | |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 9 August 1998 by Archbishop François-Xavier Yombandje |
| Consecration: | 22 July 2012 by Cardinal Fernando Filoni |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 19 November 2016 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Dieudonné Nzapalainga 14 March 1967 Mbomou, Central African Republic |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Central African |
| Education: | Centre Jean-XXIII (Luxembourg), Institut de Formation des Éducateurs du Clergé (Paris) |
| Motto: | "Que Tous Soient Un" (That All May Be One) |
| Role: | Diocesan |
| Theology: | Moderate |
| Region: | Africa |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga, born March 14, 1967, is a Central African prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as Archbishop of Bangui since 2012 and as the youngest cardinal elevated by Pope Francis in 2016, at age 49. A member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Nzapalainga is renowned for his peacebuilding efforts in the Central African Republic (CAR), notably founding the Interfaith Peace Platform with Muslim and Protestant leaders to quell violence during the 2013–2014 civil war, earning him the nickname “Cardinal of Peace.” His commitment to dialogue, ecumenism, and social justice, inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 visit to CAR, has made him a leading African voice, though his focus on local crises limits his global prominence. At 58, Nzapalainga is one of 18 African cardinal-electors in the 2025 papal conclave, starting May 7, where his interviews emphasizing a “courageous” and “listening” pope reflect his vision for Church unity, with some media speculating on his papabile status despite his youth and regional focus.[1][2][3][4][5]
Ordained a priest in 1998, Nzapalainga rose quickly, becoming Apostolic Administrator of Bangui in 2009 and Archbishop in 2012, leading the Church through CAR’s civil war. His interfaith work, including risking his life to mediate between militias, and his advocacy for the poor align with Francis’ pastoral vision, earning him international recognition, such as the 2017 Konrad Adenauer Prize for peace. In 2025, his participation in the conclave, one of the largest with 135 electors from 71 countries, underscores Africa’s growing influence, with Nzapalainga urging a pope who transcends “color and origin” to navigate global challenges, though he downplays personal ambitions in favor of collective discernment.[1][6][3][4][5]
Biography
Birth and early life
Dieudonné Nzapalainga was born on March 14, 1967, in Mbomou, Ubangi-Shari (now Central African Republic), to a Catholic family in a rural, conflict-prone region. Growing up amid ethnic and religious tensions, his faith was shaped by missionary priests and his community’s resilience. His early life was marked by CAR’s post-independence struggles, fostering his later commitment to peacebuilding.[1][2][7]
Educated at local mission schools, Nzapalainga discerned a vocation early, influenced by the Spiritan missionaries’ service. His experiences in a diverse, often violent region shaped his ecumenical approach, evident in his later interfaith initiatives.[1][3]
Education
Nzapalainga studied philosophy and theology at the Spiritan seminary in Libreville, Gabon, and was sent to France for further formation, attending the Centre Jean-XXIII in Luxembourg and the Institut de Formation des Éducateurs du Clergé in Paris. He earned a licentiate in theology, focusing on pastoral ministry and conflict resolution.[1][2][7]
His international education exposed him to global Catholicism and ecumenical dialogue, with training in France emphasizing interreligious cooperation. Fluent in Sango, French, and with working knowledge of English, Nzapalainga’s studies prepared him for leadership in CAR’s complex socio-political landscape.[2][3]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on August 9, 1998, by Archbishop François-Xavier Yombandje for the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Nzapalainga served as a parish priest in Bangui and chaplain to youth and prison ministries. He became regional superior of the Spiritans in CAR (2005–2009), focusing on community development and reconciliation.[1][2][7]
His priesthood was defined by pastoral work in a war-torn nation, addressing poverty and violence. Appointed Apostolic Administrator of Bangui in 2009, he navigated rising sectarian tensions, laying the groundwork for his interfaith peace efforts as archbishop.[1][6]
Bishop
Appointed Archbishop of Bangui on May 26, 2012, by Pope Benedict XVI, Nzapalainga was consecrated on July 22, 2012, by Cardinal Fernando Filoni. Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis on November 19, 2016, at age 49, he received the titular church of Sant’Andrea della Valle, becoming the youngest cardinal and CAR’s first.[1][7]
As Archbishop, Nzapalainga founded the Interfaith Peace Platform, mediated peace talks during the 2013–2014 civil war, and hosted Pope Francis in 2015, opening a Holy Door in Bangui. In 2025, he participates in the May 7 conclave, advocating for a unifying pope, with some media noting his papabile potential.[3][4][6][5]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archdiocese of Bangui | Apostolic Administrator | 14 November 2009 | 26 May 2012 | Managed diocese during civil unrest |
| Archdiocese of Bangui | Archbishop | 26 May 2012 | Present | Elevated to cardinal in 2016, founded Interfaith Peace Platform |
Significant events
- Ordained priest for the Spiritans in 1998.[2]
- Appointed Apostolic Administrator of Bangui in 2009.[1]
- Named Archbishop of Bangui in 2012.[7]
- Founded Interfaith Peace Platform, 2013.[1]
- Hosted Pope Francis in Bangui, opening Holy Door, 2015.[1]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2016, youngest at 49.[1]
- Awarded Konrad Adenauer Prize for peace, 2017.[1]
- Advocated for peace during CAR’s 2020–2021 election crisis.[1]
- Participated in the 2025 papal conclave, starting May 7, as potential papabile.[3][4][5]
Books
Written about the bishop
- No specific biographies dedicated to Cardinal Nzapalainga were identified.
Written by the bishop
- No books authored by Cardinal Nzapalainga were identified. He has issued pastoral letters and statements through the Archdiocese of Bangui, but no published books are documented.
External links
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 "Dieudonné Nzapalainga". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dieudonn%C3%A9_Nzapalainga.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga". Vatican Press. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinals_bio_nzapalainga_d.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "Dieudonné Nzapalainga: « Le prochain pape aura à beaucoup écouter »". La Vie. 2025-04-24. https://www.lavie.fr/actualite/dieudonne-nzapalainga-le-prochain-pape-aura-a-beaucoup-ecouter_139775.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Conclave to elect new pope will start on May 7". France24. 2025-04-27. https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250427-conclave-to-elect-new-pope-will-start-on-may-7.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Posts found on X, April 2025
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "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.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 "Dieudonné Nzapalainga". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bnzap.html.