Former Nuncio to Ghana, Archbishop Léon Kalenga Badikebele has been praised for his exceptional service to the Church in Ghana. The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference have described the late Nuncio an an enduring character who did his work diligently while on he lived.
The Conference on Monday August 5, 2019 held a memorial mass at the Holy Spirit Cathedral for Archbishop Léon Kalenga Badikebele, who passed on in Rome on June 12. The Mass concelebrated by Most Rev. Philip Naameh, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference brought together some notable figures within the Catholic Church including Papal Knights and Dames.
Also present was Ambassador to the Vatican H.E Joseph Kojo Akudibilah, former Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Mr. Sylvester Jude Kpakpo Parker-Allotey and the lay faithful to pray for the repose of the former Nuncio’s soul
Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer Buckle, Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast and Vice president of the Bishops’ conference in his homily at the memorial mass reflected on theme of reaffirming our faith in Christ with the hope of reuniting with all departed faithful. Eulogising the life of the former Nuncio, Most Rev Palmer-Buckle described Archbishop Léon Kalenga Badikebele as one who endeared himself to many who encountered him and the exemplary way he lived his priestly and episcopal ministry.
On June 15, 2019, at the Altar of the Cathedral in Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Holy Father Francis celebrated Holy Mass for the funeral of Archbishop Léon Kalenga Badikebele, apostolic nuncio in Argentina, who died on June 12.
The papal representatives attending the meeting in the Vatican called by Pope Francis from June 12-15 also took part in the celebration.
The former Congolese prelate was born in Kamina, Haut-Lomami, then in the Belgian Congo, on 17 July 1956. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Luebo on 5 September 1982. He worked in the diplomatic service of the Holy See and held the rank of Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana beginning in 2008 to 2013 and was later posted to EL Salvador. He also served as Nuncio to Argentina from 2018 until his death in June 2019.
Source: Edith Mensah // Radio Angelus
Archbishop kalenga was an exceptional leader,who did he’s work well when he visited Ghana. He will be forever be remembered.May his soul rest in peace.