Monsignor Susitino Sionepoe becomes first Pacific Islander to lead the Archdiocese of Nouméa.
Thousands gathered in Nouméa on Saturday for the installation of Monsignor Susitino Sionepoe, 60, as Archbishop of Nouméa, Wallis-and-Futuna, and Vanuatu.
The former Bishop of Wallis-and-Futuna becomes the first Pacific Islander to hold the role, following Monsignor Michel-Marie Calvet, who served since 1981.
Sionepoe, who was born in Wallis-and-Futuna and has served in Tonga, Fiji, and New Caledonia, was appointed by Pope Francis in January.
In his homily, he urged, “Let us become artisans of peace, especially here in New Caledonia.”
The ceremony at Saint Joseph Cathedral featured traditional conches, drums and dance from Lifou and Wallis-and-Futuna. It was attended by regional bishops and dignitaries including French High Commissioner Louis Le Franc and pro-independence leader Roch Wamytan.
A large screen allowed over 600 Catholics outside the cathedral to watch. Thousands more followed the broadcast across Wallis-and-Futuna.
Catholic missions in New Caledonia were attacked during riots in May 2024. The Archbishop’s message of peace struck a poignant note for many.
Monsignor Sionepoe was ordained in 1993 and became Bishop of Wallis in 1998.
