Zambian prelate, reported excommunicated, dies at 78
May 18, 2026
» Continue to this story on ACI Africa
CWN Editor's Note: Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu, who led Zambia’s most prominent see from 2006 until 2018, died on May 15 at the age of 78.
ACI Africa, citing a Catholic Herald article, reported that “in March 2024, Archbishop Mpundu incurred excommunication after performing an illicit episcopal consecration without papal approval.”
Archbishop Mpundu “was widely respected for his strong advocacy on governance, social justice, and national affairs, courageously speaking out on matters of truth and justice while shepherding the faithful with compassion and wisdom,” said Archbishop Alick Banda, his successor as archbishop of Lusaka.
L’Osservatore Romano made no mention of an excommunication in its brief obituary of the late prelate.
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