By Paschal Norbert
PRETORIA, OCTOBER 29, 2024 (CISA) – In a significant appointment for the Catholic Church in South Africa, Pope Francis has named Cardinal Stephen Brislin as the new Metropolitan Archbishop of Johannesburg.
The pope has transferred Cardinal Brislin from his current position as the Catholic Archbishop of Cape Town, a role he has held since 2009. In an official communiqué announcing the appointment by the Apostolic Nunciature in South Africa released an official communiqué announcing the appointment, which also designates Archbishop Buti Tlhagale as the temporary administrator of the Archdiocese of Johannesburg until Cardinal Brislin takes formal possession of the office.
Cardinal Brislin, born in Welkom on September 24, 1956, began his studies at Saint Agnes Convent and Christian Brothers College in Welkom before entering the seminary. He studied philosophy at Saint John Vianney in Pretoria and theology at the Missionary Institute of London. Ordained a priest on November 19, 1983, he served in various pastoral roles before being appointed Bishop of Kroonstad by Pope Benedict XVI on October 17, 2006. He was consecrated as bishop on January 28, 2007.
In 2009, he was appointed Archbishop of Cape Town, assuming the role on February 7, 2010, on the feast of Our Lady of the Flight into Egypt, the patronal feast of the archdiocese. From 2013 to 2019, Cardinal Brislin served as the president of the South African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), playing a crucial role in the leadership of the Church in South Africa. In September 2023, Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of Cardinal, granting him the titular church of Santa Maria Domenica Mazzarello in Rome.
In Johannesburg, Cardinal Brislin will succeed Archbishop Buti Tlhagale OMI, who has served the archdiocese since 2003. Archbishop Tlhagale was initially appointed as Archbishop-Bishop of Johannesburg and, following its elevation to an archdiocese in 2007, he became its first Archbishop. His leadership has been marked by dedication and resilience, guiding the Church through years of change and growth.
The Apostolic Nunciature’s communiqué emphasizes that Cardinal Brislin must assume his new role within two months, in accordance with Canon Law. His leadership in Johannesburg is highly anticipated, with the Nunciature, the local Catholic community, and the wider Church expressing their prayers and support for his mission.
This appointment signals a new chapter for the Archdiocese of Johannesburg as Cardinal Brislin prepares to guide one of South Africa’s most significant Catholic communities, bringing with him a wealth of experience and dedication to pastoral care.
