By Wesley Omondi
VATICAN CITY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 (CISA) – Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Dieudonné Madrapile Tanzi as the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese Isiro-Niangara in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, transferring him from his previous role overseeing the Catholic Diocese of Isangi. The announcement was made by the Holy See press office, marking a significant transition for the dedicated prelate.
“The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Dieudonné Madrapile Tanzi as bishop of Isiro-Niangara, Democratic Republic of the Congo, transferring him from the pastoral care of the diocese of Isangi,” the statement read.
Bishop Tanzi, born on August 18, 1958, in Niangara, has built a distinguished career within the Catholic Church. Ordained as a priest on August 25, 1985,for the diocese of Isiro-Niangar, he served in numerous roles, demonstrating unwavering dedication to his faith and community.
He worked as a formator at the Rungu Minor Seminary from 1985 to 1986 and later took on roles as a teacher and spiritual animator at the Saint Augustine Interdiocesan Major Seminary of Philosophy in Kisangani from 1986 to 1996.
From 1996 to 2001, he served as the vicar general of the Catholic Diocese of Isiro-Niangara, and later as diocesan administrator from 2001 to 2003. His strong leadership was further recognized when he was appointed rector of the Blessed Anuarite National Marian Shrine from 2003 to 2006.
Bishop Madrapile sought to deepen his theological expertise and earned a doctorate in missiology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome in 2006. During his time in Rome, he also served as chaplain for the Daughters of Saint Mary of Providence and taught pastoral theology.
His return to Isiro-Niangara started on July 12, 2024, when he was appointed apostolic administrator, bringing him back to his roots and paving the way for his current role. His extensive experience and commitment to the Church makes him a fitting choice for the local ordinary of the diocese, a position he is expected to embrace with the same fervor that has characterized his service.
Bishop Madrapile was appointed bishop of Isangi on April 2, 2016, and installed on July 10, 2016. His new appointment as bishop of Isiro-Niangara is seen as a rewarding homecoming, enabling him to lead his fellow faithful in the diocese where his journey began.
