Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel

Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, born on July fourteenth, nineteen forty-eight, is a prominent prelate of the Ethiopian Catholic Church. Since his election as Archbishop of Addis Abeba in nineteen ninety-nine, he has played a pivotal role in the spiritual leadership of the Ethiopian Catholic community. His influence extends beyond the archdiocese as he also serves as the chancellor of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and presides over the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia and Eritrea.

In recognition of his dedicated service, Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of cardinal in two thousand fifteen. His journey has not been without challenges; he faced imprisonment by the Communist government of Ethiopia from nineteen seventy-nine to nineteen eighty, a period that tested his resilience and commitment to his faith.

A member of the Congregation of the Mission, Berhaneyesus directed the order's novitiate during the mid-nineteen eighties and held the position of provincial superior from nineteen ninety to nineteen ninety-four. His early ecclesiastical career included serving as Auxiliary Bishop of Addis Abeba for eighteen months before ascending to the role of archbishop, where he continues to guide his community with compassion and wisdom.