The Catholic Church faithful welcomed Pope Francis’ appointment of Wau Bishop, Reverend Mathew Remijio, as the Apostolic Administrator of Rumbek Diocese who will temporarily govern until the Bishop-elect, Fr. Christian Carlassare, recovers from his bullet wounds. 

The letter seen by Radio Tamazuj, dated May 5, 2021, also said that Bishop Remijio will continue serving as the Bishop of the Wau Diocese.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, the head of the recently formed committee of Rumbek Catholic Diocese, Fr. Andrea Osman, said that the faithful in Rumbek welcomed Pope Francis’ appointment of Wau Diocese Bishop. 

He said the Catholic Church is a universal church and appointments can be made from anywhere without discrimination.

“We have a committee of five people who will run daily activities and work with Bishop Remijo of Wau who is the Apostolic Administrator of Rumbek Diocese. I am just the head of the committee of five here in Rumbek,” Fr. Osman said. “As a universal church, a Bishop can be from anywhere, any nationality, any tribe. The Catholic Church is universal and for everyone.”

He said the shooting of the Bishop-elect of Rumbek Diocese was orchestrated by a few people some of whom have now been arrested.

Daniel Laat Kon, a member of the church, said that they welcome the appointment of an Apostolic Administrator until Fr. Carlassare recovers and takes over.

“There is no rejection because someone has been appointed from outside Rumbek. The Catholic Church all over the world is universal,” Laat said.