The President of Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Zubeir Wako, has officially retired as Archbishop of Khartoum.

Cardinal Wako announced his resignation from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Khartoum during a church service at Saint Matthew’s Cathedral in Khartoum last night.

Cardinal Wako, formerly the Bishop of Wau, became Archbishop of Khartoum on the 10th of October 1981. He served as the Archbishop of Khartoum for 35-years.

According to the Canon Law of the Catholic Church, a diocesan bishop retires from the administration of the diocese when he reaches the age of 75.

Cardinal Wako, who turned 75 this year, declared his retirement yesterday during his last mass as Archbishop of Khartoum.

“The time has come for me to officially retire. After this [mass] only when I have the desire to celebrate the mass with you, I would do it; but it is not going to be the program of life as before,” he told the congregation.

The new Archbishop of Khartoum is Michael Didi, the former bishop of El-Obeied. He will be installed as Archbishop on the 9th of December.

Speaking during the same occasion, Vatican Ambassador to Sudan and Eritrea, Archbishop Bert Van Megen, said the resignation of Cardinal Wako was a “sad moment” because he was a beloved church leader.

“Your Eminence, you guided the Archdioceses for more than 35-years and so after 35-years of hard work filled with grace, your work has matured – has come to perfection,” Van Megen praised Wako.

“Your Eminence, let me take the occasion to thank you on behalf of the Holy Father[Pope Francis] and indeed on behalf of all the people present here for your untiring service through all these years.”

Cardinal Wako also relinquished the position of the President of Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

He has been succeeded by the Bishop of Tambura-Yambio, Dr. Edwardo Hiiboro Kussalla.