Pope Francis made several episcopal appointments around the world, announced May 22, 2021, by the Vatican.
Resignation and succession of metropolitan archbishop of Agrigento, Italy
The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the metropolitan archdiocese of Agrigento, Italy, presented by His Eminence Cardinal Francesco Montenegro. He is succeeded by Archbishop Alessandro Damiano, until now coadjutor archbishop of the same archdiocese.
Appointment of metropolitan archbishop of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Holy Father has appointed as metropolitan archbishop of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bishop Fulgence Muteba Mugalu, transferring him from the diocese of Kilwa-Kasenga.
Curriculum vitae
Bishop Fulgence Muteba Mugalu was born on 9 July 1962 in the diocese of Kongolo, was ordained a priest on 5 August 1990, and appointed bishop of Kilwa-Kasenga on 18 March 2005.
After graduating in pastoral theology from the University of Montreal in Canada, he was professor of theology in Lubumbashi and at the Catholic University of Kinshasa; secretary of the Episcopal Commission for the Doctrine of the Faith of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and later secretary-general of the same Episcopal Conference.
As a bishop, he served as coordinator of the Inter-Diocesan Commission for Justice and Peace of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lubumbashi and president of the Episcopal Commission for the Doctrine of Faith of the CENCO. He is also president of the Board of Directors of the Catholic University of Congo.
Since 30 November 2020, he has served as apostolic administrator sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the diocese of Kamina.
Appointment of bishop of Ischia, Italy, and union in persona Episcopi of the dioceses of Pozzuoli and Ischia
The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Gennaro Pascarella of Pozzuoli, as bishop of the diocese of Ischia, Italy, uniting in persona Episcopi the dioceses of Pozzuoli and Ischia.
Curriculum vitae
Bishop Gennaro Pascarella was born on 28 March 1948 in Cervino, diocese of Acerra and province of Caserta. He completed his high school studies at the Episcopal Seminary of Acerra, his lyceum-philosophical studies at the Pontifical Regional Seminary of Saint Pius X in Benevento, and his theological studies at the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Southern Italy, San Luigi di Posillipo – Naples, where he obtained a licentiate in moral theology.
He was ordained a priest on 14 September 1974 for the diocese of Acerra.
He was co-vicar in the parish of Sant’Alfonso Maria de’ Liguori, in 1979 episcopal delegate for vocations, and since 1983, chancellor of the diocesan Curia of Acerra. He was a member of the Regional Council for Vocations, canon penitentiary of the Cathedral Chapter, coordinator of the Curia for Pastoral Care, member of the Presbyteral Council of the diocese of Acerra, teacher of religion at the Scientific High School of Acerra, and coordinator of Youth Ministry.
He was appointed as bishop of Ariano Irpino-Lacedonia on 14 November 1998 and ordained on 9 January 1999. Appointed coadjutor of the diocese of Pozzuoli on 10 January 2004, he succeeded as bishop on 2 September 2005.
Within the Episcopal Conference of Campania he is vice-president and bishop delegate for the pastoral care of families and life.
Appointment of auxiliary of Busan, Korea
The Holy Father has appointed as auxiliary bishop of the diocese of Busan, Korea, the Reverend Pius Sin Hozol, of the clergy of the same diocese, until now president of the Catholic University of Busan, assigning him the titular see of Belesasa.
Curriculum vitae
Msgr. Pius Sin Hozol was born on 3 September 1968 in Busan. After his primary and secondary school education, he studied philosophy and theology at the Catholic University of Gwangju, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in theology (1989-1993). On 3 February 1996, he was ordained a priest for the diocese of Busan.
After ordination, he first served as parish vicar of Goejeong (1996-1997) and Banyeo (1997-1998). He was then awarded a licentiate and doctorate in sacred liturgy at the Pontifical Saint Anselm Athenaeum in Rome (1999-2008). He subsequently served as lecturer at the College of Theology in Busan (2008-2016), member of the Commission for the Liturgy of the Bishops’ Conference (CBCK), and member of the Liturgical Commission. At Busan Catholic University, he was assistant professor (2009-2013); administrative office collaborator (2011-2013); library director (2012-2013); associate professor (2013-2016), and chaplain coordinator (2016-2019). From 2019 until the present he has served as president of Busan Catholic University.
