Pope Francis has officially established the Archdiocese of Ndola in Zambia and appointed Bishop Dr. Benjamin Phiri as its inaugural archbishop. This development, announced by the Holy See Press Office on June 18, marks a significant administrative change in Zambia, a country previously home to two metropolitan sees: Lusaka and Kasama.

The newly erected archdiocese covers a central region of Zambia, spanning 32,000 square kilometers with a population of 3.2 million, of which 1.9 million are Catholic, making up 59.6% of the archdiocese’s total population, according to the Holy See Press report.

Bishop Benjamin Phiri, born in June 1959 in the Diocese of Chipata, has served as bishop of Ndola since his installation in August 2020. He brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having been ordained a priest in September 1986 and holding a licentiate in canon law from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome.

Prior to his episcopal appointment, Archbishop Phiri served in various capacities within the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, including as national director of the pastoral office and director of vocational pastoral ministry in his home Diocese of Chipata. His tenure as auxiliary bishop in Chipata began in April 2011, where he also served as personal secretary to Archbishop Medardo Mazombwe, who later became cardinal.

In assuming leadership of the newly formed Archdiocese of Ndola, Archbishop Phiri has called upon its faithful to strive for exemplary service and solidarity with other dioceses, reflecting his commitment to fostering spiritual growth and community development in the region.