FORMER LUSAKA ARCHBISHOP TELESPORE MPUNDU DIES AT 78, SIX DAYS BEFORE 79TH BIRTHDAY
By: Thomas Afroman Mwale
Emeritus Archbishop of Lusaka Telesphore Mpundu has died at the age of 78, just six days before his 79th birthday.
The sad development was confirmed by Archbishop of Lusaka Alick Banda in a statement dated Friday, May 15, 2026.
Archbishop Banda announced that the funeral programme will be communicated in due course and called on parishes and religious communities to offer Masses for the repose of Archbishop Mpundu’s soul.
Prior to his death, Archbishop Mpundu was admitted to Maina Soko Medical Centre in Lusaka, where he was receiving medical treatment. During this period, his family requested privacy.
Archbishop Mpundu, born on May 21, 1947, at Kapatu Mission, served as Archbishop of Lusaka from 2006 until his retirement in 2018 and was widely recognised for his strong advocacy on governance, social justice, and national affairs.
Ordained as a priest in 1972, he later served as Bishop of Mbala, now Mpika Diocese, for 19 years beginning in 1987. In 2004, he was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Lusaka before succeeding as Archbishop in 2006.
He also served multiple terms as President of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB).
Archbishop Mpundu retired from active ministry in 2018 due to old age and health reasons and subsequently held the title of Archbishop Emeritus.
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