GARISSA, DECEMBER 11, 2015 (CISA) – On December 8, Pope Francis appointed the Coadjutor Bishop of Garissa, Joseph Alessandro as the new bishop of the diocese.

According to the Vatican, the Pope on the same day accepted the renunciation of the pastoral government of the diocese of Garissa, presented by Bishop Paul Darmanin, in conformity with Code of Canon Law, canon 401 § 1.

“In accord with the norms of the Code of Canon Law, Rt. Rev. Joseph Alessandro automatically succeeded Bishop Darmanin on Tuesday 8 November 2015 at 2 p.m. local time,” read a letter addressed to the Catholic Bishops of Kenya by the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, and South Sudan Archbishop Charles Balvo, reported Vatican Radio.

Bishop Darmanin has attained 75 years which is the canonical age for retirement.

Bishop Alessandro was born on 30 November 1944 in Paola Malta. At the age of 17, he was professed as a member of Order of Friars Minor Capuchin and in 1966 made his perpetual vows to the same order.

He was ordained priest on 5 April 1970. He came to Kenya in 1989.