The Apostolic Nuncio to South Africa and Holy See’s delegate to Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Namibia, Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński, has urged the priests, religious, and laity of Francistown diocese to cooperate with their new bishop and to offer prayers for him.
He made the call during an address at the Episcopal Ordination of Lawrence Ofente Pheto, the diocese’s first local Motswana Bishop, held at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana, on 27 June 2026.
“Today you receive a new shepherd. Welcome him with generosity, affection and prayer. Walk with him and support him in the mission entrusted to him by the Church,” Archbishop Jagodziński advised.
He further noted that “Together, continue building a vibrant local Church, faithful to the Gospel and committed to the mission of evangelization.”
First local Motswana Bishop, His Lordship, Lawrence Ofente Pheto. Credit: Apostolic Nunciature Pretoria.
The prelate honoured the memory of the late Bishop Rebello, who served from 2021 until his passing in 2024, recalling his tremendous efforts in shaping the diocese into what it has become.
“We also remember with gratitude the late Bishop Antonio Paschal Rebello, whose dedicated service helped shape this Diocese. May the Lord reward him abundantly for his faithful ministry,” he maintained.
“A day of great joy and thanksgiving for the Diocese of Francistown“
Describing the event as “a day of great joy and thanksgiving for the Diocese of Francistown, for the Church in Botswana, and indeed for the entire Catholic Church,” he underlined that “Whenever a new bishop is ordained, the whole Church rejoices, because Christ continues to provide shepherds for His people.”
Bring the Pontiff’s prayers and apostolic blessings, the Nuncio underscored the Holy Father’s closeness to the newly consecrated Bishop.
“I wish first of all to convey the prayerful greetings and paternal closeness of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, who today embraces the clergy, religious and faithful of Francistown and assures them of his prayers and Apostolic Blessing.
“We have heard the Apostolic Letter by which the Holy Father appointed Bishop Lawrence Ofente Pheto as Bishop of Francistown. In that document, Pope Leo reminds us that ‘the good of the universal Church requires ministers and pastors who, with sincere hearts, may be of benefit to Christ’s faithful.’ These words beautifully express the mission of every bishop: to serve, to guide, and to give his life for the flock entrusted to him.
“The Holy Father also recalls the words of the Psalmist: ‘The Lord has heard the cry of the poor.’ A bishop is called to hear that same cry and to be close to all, especially the poor, the suffering, the young, families, and those in need of hope and encouragement,” Archbishop Jagodziński noted.
“You have today become a Successor of the Apostles”
Turning to the new Bishop, the Nuncio said, “Dear Bishop Lawrence, through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration, you have today become a Successor of the Apostles.”
Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński, the Apostolic Nuncio to Botswana, holding the pastoral staff and Bishop Lawrence Ofente Pheto (2nd R). Credit: Apostolic Nunciature Pretoria.
According to him “The Church entrusts to you the sacred mission of being shepherd, teacher and guardian of the People of God in Francistown.”
Citing the Apostolic Letter in which Pope Leo XIV prays that the Lord may “fill you with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and make you an outstanding preacher of His truth,” he prayed that the Holy Spirit grant the newly consecrated Bishop “you “wisdom in leadership, courage in difficulties, and a shepherd’s heart always close to your priests and faithful.”
The Archbishop used the occasion to remind the Bishop about the importance of collaborating with priests, religious, famikies and young people across the diocese.
“Love your priests, who are your closest collaborators. Support religious communities, encourage families and young people, and remain always a man of prayer. Before being a leader, a bishop must first be a disciple of Christ,” the Nuncio charged the new Prelate.
“The Holy Father has placed great confidence in you”
Again assuring him of the Pope’s confidence in him, Archbishop Jagodziński said, “The Holy Father has placed great confidence in you. The People of God look to you for guidance, encouragement, and hope.”
Speaking further, he charged him thus, “Go forward with confidence, knowing that Christ walks before you and remains with you.”
The Nuncio offered blessings and words of felicitation to the new Bishop, saying, “May you always be a shepherd who serves with humility, a teacher who proclaims the truth with charity, and a father who gathers God’s people in unity and love. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, accompany and protect you throughout your ministry.
“United with Pope Leo XIV and the whole Church, we congratulate you on your episcopal ordination and invoke upon you an abundance of God’s blessings. Ad multos annos, Bishop Lawrence! Amen.”
The bishops during the procession. Credit: Apostolic Nunciature Pretoria.
Francistown Diocese at a glance
The Diocese of Francistown is a Latin Church territory of the Catholic Church located in Botswana, which serves the northern half of the country, ministering to approximately 31,100 Catholics across sprawling urban and remote rural communities.
Now a suffragan diocese of the Archdiocese of Pretoria, the territory initially relied on early 19th-century missionary routes but formal Catholic presence expanded when Passionist Fathers arrived in 1952.
It was first established as the Apostolic Vicariate of Francistown in June 1998 and later elevated to a full diocese by Pope Francis in October 2017.
The diocese is led by its new bishop, Lawrence Ofentse Pheto, succeeding Bishop Anthony Pascal Rebello, who served from 2021 until his passing in 2024.
With Saint Francis of Assisi as its patron, the diocese operates 17 pastoral centres across a massive geographic area and is heavily involved in community and human development, spending millions annually on construction, social uplifting, and fighting societal challenges like HIV/Aids and gender-based violence.
The celebration brought together the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), local clergy, the outgoing Apostolic Administrator Father Gabriel Lionel Afagbegee, female religious, distinguished civil authorities and the people of God from all walks of life.
