The rise of Bishop Sipuka
The Pillar••world
Key Points:
- Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Sithembele Sipuka as the new Archbishop of Cape Town, succeeding Cardinal Stephen Brislin, who moved to Johannesburg in October 2024.
- Sipuka, 65, has been Bishop of Mthatha since 2008 and is recognized for his leadership in justice, peace, dialogue, and ethical governance across Southern Africa.
- He has held significant roles, including president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference and head of the Southern African Council of Churches, reflecting his ecumenical and interreligious influence.
- The Cape Town archdiocese is prestigious and historically linked to cardinals, making Sipuka’s potential elevation to the College of Cardinals possible in the future.
