In recognition of his commitment to promoting peace in South Sudan, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bentiu, Most Rev. Christian Carlassare has been awarded the prestigious Giorgio La Pira Prize.
Advocatus Africa gathered that the Italian-born prelate received the award during a ceremony held in Italy on Thursday, 23 April 2026, at the Cathedral Basilica in the Diocese of Cassano allo Ionio, Italy.
During the historic occasion where Bishop Carlassare was welcomed and singled out for this special honour, the bishop reaffirmed his dedication to advancing reconciliation and healing in the conflict-affected nation.
Catholic Diocese of Bentiu, Most Rev. Christian Carlassare, recipient of the prestigious Giorgio La Pira Prize.
Awarded for promoting peace, social justice, and human dignity
The pioneer Ordinary of the Catholic Diocese of Bentiu in South Sudan received the award during a colourful ceremony.
Presented by the Giorgio La Pira Study Center, the prize recognises individuals who are dedicated to promoting peace, social justice, and human dignity.
Honoured for his tireless commitment to peace and reconciliation in South Sudan, Carlassare disclosed that he dedicated the prize to the people of South Sudan.
He added that he accepted the award as an encouragement to continue the Church’s service to justice and reconciliation alongside communities deeply affected by conflict and poverty.
Pope Francis appointed him to the newly erected Diocese of Bentiu after escaping assassination
Bishop Carlassare, an Italian-born Comboni Missionary, previously served as the Bishop of Rumbek, where he survived a shooting in 2021 before his ordination.
In July 2024, Pope Francis appointed Carlassare as the first Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Bentiu.
The award honours the legacy of Giorgio La Pira, a former Mayor of Florence known for his “prophetic witness” and efforts toward the common good.
Recall that while he was the Bishop of Rumbek in South Sudan, he was shot in both legs by gunmen at his residence on 26 April 2021.
The attack occurred shortly after his appointment as Bishop-elect and just weeks before his scheduled episcopal ordination.
The incident occurred around 1:00 am, when armed men broke into Carlassare’s house in Rumbek and, after shooting at his bedroom door to open it, they shot him multiple times in the legs.
Treatment and legal proceedings
He was initially treated at a local health facility before being airlifted to Nairobi, Kenya, for specialised treatment. He recovered and was consecrated as Bishop of Rumbek on 25 March 2022.
Bishop Christian Carlassare, while in a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, on April 27, 2021, after having been shot in Rumbek. (Credit: ACI Africa/CNA / EWTN).
The bishop was reportedly attacked due to ethnic animosity or local clerical politics within the diocese.
In April 2022, four individuals, including a Catholic priest, Fr. John Mathiang Machol, were sentenced for their roles in the shooting.
Fr. Machol was sentenced to seven years in prison for participating “directly or indirectly” in the attempted assassination.
In March 2024, the Supreme Court of South Sudan quashed the convictions and ordered the release of Fr. Machol due to a lack of concrete evidence.
Following his release, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sudan and South Sudan suspended Fr. Machol from priestly service.
Meanwhile, Bishop Carlassare has continued to call for “truth, conversion, and healing.”
Editor’s Note: Featured photo of Bishop Christian Carlassare delivering a homily during the Eucharistic celebration to mark his first anniversary as Bishop is courtesy of Fr. Wanyonyi Eric Simiyu, S.J/Rumbek/ACI Africa.
