PRESIDENT HICHILEMA JOINS NATION IN BIDDING FAREWELL TO ARCHBISHOP MPUNDU
President Hakainde Hichilema earlier today joined thousands of mourners at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Lusaka to pay his last respects to retired Catholic Archbishop of Lusaka, Telesphore George Mpundu, who died on May 15, 2026.
The funeral service coincided with what would have been Archbishop Mpundu’s 79th birthday.
The late clergyman was remembered for his decades of service to the Catholic Church and his contribution to Zambia’s spiritual and social development.
Born on May 21, 1947, at Kapatu Mission in present-day Lunte District of Northern Province, Archbishop Mpundu was ordained a priest in 1972.
He was consecrated bishop in 1987 and served as Bishop of Mbala Diocese for 19 years before being appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Lusaka in 2004.
He assumed leadership of the Lusaka Archdiocese in 2006 and remained in the position until his retirement in 2018.
During his episcopal ministry, he also served several terms as president of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB).
President Hichilema joined Catholics and mourners from different sectors of society who gathered at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus, also known as Pope Square, to honour the late church leader.
The Head of State was accompanied by several senior government officials, including Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa, Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Joe Kalusa, and Permanent Secretary for Parliamentary Business and Religious Affairs in the Office of the Vice-President, Ndiwa Mutelo.
Former Vice-President Inonge Wina was among the dignitaries who attended the funeral service.
Following the requiem mass, Archbishop Mpundu was laid to rest within the grounds of the Cathedral of the Child Jesus, bringing to a close a life of service that spanned more than five decades in the Catholic Church.