Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla
Stored: Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla
| His Eminence Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Juba | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of Torit |
| Other diocese 1: | Diocese of Wau |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 21 April 1991 by Bishop Paride Taban |
| Consecration: | 3 March 2019 by Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 30 September 2023 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla 10 January 1964 Ido, Eastern Equatoria, South Sudan |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | South Sudan |
| Education: | Pontifical Urban University |
| Motto: | "Pacem Meam Do Vobis" (My Peace I Give You) |
| Role: | Diocesan |
| Theology: | Moderate |
| Region: | East Africa |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, born on 10 January 1964, is a South Sudanese prelate of the Catholic Church, serving as the Archbishop of Juba since 2020 and elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023.[1] Born in Ido, South Sudan, he was ordained a priest in 1991 for the Diocese of Torit, served as Bishop of Torit in 2019, and briefly as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Wau from 2020 to 2021.[2] Known for his commitment to peace and reconciliation in South Sudan’s conflict-ridden context, Mulla earned a doctorate in dogmatic theology from the Pontifical Urban University with a thesis on religious dialogue and reconciliation in Sudan.[3] His elevation as South Sudan’s first cardinal underscores his role in representing East Africa’s youngest nation in the global Church.[4][](https://www.radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/cardinal-designate-ameyu-embraces-new-appointment)
Mulla’s ministry has focused on fostering unity amidst ethnic tensions, notably during his controversial appointment as Archbishop of Juba, which faced opposition from some Bari Catholics, prompting a Vatican investigation that confirmed his appointment in 2020.[5] As president of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference since 2024, he has advocated for peace, hosting Pope Francis’ ecumenical visit to South Sudan in 2023.[6] His eligibility for the 2025 papal conclave positions him as a voice for Africa’s conflict zones, though his cautious stance on issues like same-sex blessings, reflecting South Sudan’s cultural context, has drawn scrutiny.[7] Despite challenges, Mulla remains committed to Juba, promoting synodality and reconciliation in a nation scarred by civil war.[8][](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-10/synod-eight-general-congregation-module-b2-cardinal-mulla.html)
Biography
Birth and early life
Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla was born on 10 January 1964 in Ido, Eastern Equatoria, in the Diocese of Torit, South Sudan, to a Catholic family of Otuho ethnicity.[1] Growing up in a region marked by Sudan’s civil war, he was exposed to ethnic diversity and conflict, shaping his later focus on reconciliation.[3] His early faith was nurtured by the local Catholic community, leading him to enter the minor seminary in Torit at age 14.[2]
Raised in a rural setting, Mulla’s childhood was defined by the challenges of war and displacement, yet he excelled academically and spiritually.[9] His decision to pursue the priesthood was influenced by the Church’s role in fostering hope amidst Sudan’s turmoil, setting the stage for his pastoral career.[7]
Education
Mulla began his priestly formation at the minor seminaries of Torit (1978–1981) and Wau (1981–1983), followed by brief studies at Saint Paul National Major Seminary.[1] He studied philosophy at Bussere Seminary in Wau (1984–1987) and theology at Munuki Seminary in Juba (1988–1991), preparing for ordination.[2] From 1993 to 1997, he pursued a doctorate in dogmatic theology at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome, with a thesis titled “Towards Religious Dialogue and Reconciliation in Sudan.”[3][](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Ameyu_Martin_Mulla)
His Roman education, combined with his South Sudanese roots, equipped him for leadership in a conflict-ridden context.[9] Mulla served as a lecturer and dean at Saint Paul National Major Seminary in Juba from 1997 to 2019, and as assistant vice-chancellor for administration and finance at the Catholic University of South Sudan from 2013 to 2016, shaping his academic and administrative expertise.[7][](https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/stephen-ameyu-martin-mulla/)
Priesthood
Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Torit on 21 April 1991 by Bishop Paride Taban in Khartoum, Mulla served in various pastoral roles, including parish priest and hospital chaplain, from 1991 to 1993.[1][2] After earning his doctorate, he became a lecturer, dean, and consultant at Saint Paul National Major Seminary in Juba (1997–2019), and worked with NGOs like the Horiok Community Association and Women Advancement Organization, focusing on non-violence and development.[7][](https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/stephen-ameyu-martin-mulla/)
Mulla’s priesthood was marked by his commitment to peace-building, notably through his thesis and community outreach.[3] His roles at the Catholic University of South Sudan (2013–2016) as deputy director of the Institute of Applied Research and Community Outreach furthered his influence in education and social justice.[7] His ministry laid the groundwork for his rapid rise to episcopal leadership.[9]
Bishop
Appointed Bishop of Torit on 3 January 2019 by Pope Francis, Mulla was consecrated on 3 March 2019 by Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro.[1] On 12 December 2019, he was named Archbishop of Juba, installed on 22 March 2020 under tight security due to ethnic-based opposition from some Bari Catholics, who falsely alleged improper influence and personal misconduct.[5] A Vatican investigation, led by Mgr. Visvaldas Kulbokas, cleared Mulla, and Pope Francis confirmed his appointment on 6 March 2020.[5][](https://international.la-croix.com/news/religion/controversial-archbishop-is-finally-installed-in-south-sudans-capital/12058)
Elevated to cardinal-priest of Santa Gemma Galgani on 30 September 2023, Mulla became South Sudan’s first cardinal.[2] He served as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Wau (2020–2021) and hosted Pope Francis’ ecumenical visit to Juba in February 2023, emphasizing peace.[6] As president of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference since 2024, his 2025 conclave eligibility highlights his global role, though his cautious stance on same-sex blessings reflects South Sudan’s cultural conservatism.[7][](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/africa/news/2023-02/archbishop-of-juba-s-heartfelt-message-to-pope-francis-as-he-was.html)[](https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/stephen-ameyu-martin-mulla/)
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of Torit | Diocesan Bishop | 3 January 2019 | 12 December 2019 | Appointed Archbishop of Juba after less than a year |
| Diocese of Wau | Apostolic Administrator | 21 September 2020 | 24 January 2021 | Temporary role during vacancy |
| Archdiocese of Juba | Metropolitan Archbishop | 12 December 2019 | Present | Elevated to cardinal in 2023; faced ethnic-based opposition |
Significant events
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Torit in 1991.[1]
- Earned doctorate in dogmatic theology from Pontifical Urban University in 1997.[3]
- Appointed Bishop of Torit in January 2019.[1]
- Named Archbishop of Juba in December 2019, installed in March 2020.[5]
- Served as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Wau from 2020 to 2021.[1]
- Hosted Pope Francis’ ecumenical visit to South Sudan in February 2023.[6]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in September 2023, becoming South Sudan’s first cardinal.[2]
- Elected president of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference in 2024.[7]
- Confirmed as eligible for the 2025 papal conclave.[1]
Books
Written about the bishop
- de Lis, Teresa (16 September 2023). "Future Cardinal Stephen Ameyu: peace advocate in South Sudan". https://aleteia.org/2023/09/16/future-cardinal-stephen-ameyu-peace-advocate-in-south-sudan/.[](https://aleteia.org/2023/09/16/future-cardinal-stephen-ameyu-a-tireless-advocate-for-peace-in-south-sudan)
- Tibandebage, Richard (30 September 2023). "South Sudan’s First Cardinal: Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla". https://thechanzo.com/2023/09/30/south-sudans-first-cardinal-stephen-ameyu-martin-mulla/.
- "Controversial archbishop is finally installed in South Sudan’s capital". 24 March 2020. https://international.la-croix.com/news/controversial-archbishop-is-finally-installed-in-south-sudans-capital/.[](https://international.la-croix.com/news/religion/controversial-archbishop-is-finally-installed-in-south-sudans-capital/12058)
Written by the bishop
- Mulla, Stephen Ameyu Martin (1997). Towards Religious Dialogue and Reconciliation in Sudan. Rome: Pontificia Universitas Urbaniana. https://www.worldcat.org/title/towards-religious-dialogue-and-reconciliation-in-sudan/oclc/52961305.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Ameyu_Martin_Mulla)
External links
- Stephen Ameyu Martin Cardinal Mulla at Catholic-Hierarchy.org[](https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bamm.html)
- Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla at Vatican Press
- South Sudan’s Cardinal Stephen Ameyu: A Voice for Peace at Vatican News
- South Sudan’s Cardinal Mulla to Participate in Conclave at ACI Africa
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Cheney, David M.. "Stephen Ameyu Martin Cardinal Mulla". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bameym.html.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla". 9 July 2023. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2023/07/09/230709a.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 de Lis, Teresa (16 September 2023). "Future Cardinal Stephen Ameyu: peace advocate in South Sudan". https://aleteia.org/2023/09/16/future-cardinal-stephen-ameyu-peace-advocate-in-south-sudan/.
- ↑ "Cardinal-designate Ameyu embraces new appointment". 10 July 2023. https://www.radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/cardinal-designate-ameyu-embraces-new-appointment.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Controversial archbishop is finally installed in South Sudan’s capital". 24 March 2020. https://international.la-croix.com/news/controversial-archbishop-is-finally-installed-in-south-sudans-capital/.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Archbishop of Juba’s heartfelt message to Pope Francis as he was returning to Rome". 8 February 2023. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-02/archbishop-juba-message-pope-francis-return-rome.html.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 "Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla". 30 September 2023. https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2023/09/30/meet-the-new-cardinals-stephen-ameyu-martin-mulla/.
- ↑ "Synod: Cardinal Mulla’s reflection on Bishop’s ministry in synodal perspective". 13 October 2023. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-10/synod-cardinal-mulla-bishop-ministry-synodal-perspective.html.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Tibandebage, Richard (30 September 2023). "South Sudan’s First Cardinal: Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla". https://thechanzo.com/2023/09/30/south-sudans-first-cardinal-stephen-ameyu-martin-mulla/.