CARDINAL GIORGIO MARENGO ELECTED NEW PRESIDENT OF THE CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF CENTRAL ASIA

From April 15 to 19, 2026, the V Plenary Meeting of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Central Asia (CECAS) took place in Tashkent, bringing together the Catholic hierarchs of the region in a spirit of fraternal communion, prayer, and shared reflection on the pastoral mission of the Church. The meeting marked an important stage in the life of the local Churches representing Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, and Azerbaijan.

The election of a new leadership of the Conference gave particular significance to the session. Following the vote, Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar, was elected President of CECAS. He assumed this role, succeeding Bishop José Luis Mumbiela Sierra, who had led the Conference for the past four years. Bishop Mumbiela Sierra was elected Vice President, and Bishop Yevgeny Zinkovsky was elected Secretary General.

At the beginning of the sessions, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, Archbishop George Panamtundil, was present and delivered an address. The Apostolic Nuncio to Uzbekistan and Russia, Archbishop Giovanni D’Aniello, sent a message to the participants. Bishop Adelio Dell’Oro was unable to attend due to health reasons.

At the opening of the Plenary Meeting, the bishops and ordinaries expressed their firm support for Pope Leo XIV in his efforts for peace and in his pastoral ministry toward the flock entrusted to him and all those suffering from wars and injustice. The participants offered prayers to the Lord for the gift of peace for all humanity.

In his first words after the election, Cardinal Giorgio Marengo expressed gratitude to the previous leadership of the Conference, highlighting the service of Bishop José Luis Mumbiela Sierra, Bishop Matsulevich, and Bishop Yevgeny Zinkovsky. He also emphasized the important role of the Apostolic Nunciatures that accompanied the work of CECAS, particularly noting the Nunciature in Kazakhstan.

The CECAS Secretariat, for its part, expressed its appreciation to the newly elected hierarchs for their readiness to accept this responsible service and called on the faithful to support them with prayer, entrusting their mission to God’s blessing and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

During the general session, the bishops, in a spirit of fraternal communion, shared their pastoral experiences, discussed the current challenges faced by the local Churches, and shared the joys and hopes of the faithful, supporting one another in unity and responsibility for the mission entrusted to them.

The Plenary Meeting in Tashkent once again highlighted the commitment of the Catholic Church in Central Asia to unity, mutual support, and open dialogue—both within the Church community and with representatives of other religions. The theme of peace held a special place in the work of the Conference, permeating the Church’s ministry in the region and resonating in the hearts of the faithful.

Based on materials from catholic-kazakhstan.org