Emeritus Archbishop Telesphore George Mpundu Dies Aged 78

The Most Rev. Telesphore George Mpundu, Emeritus Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lusaka, has died at the age of 78, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Lusaka, the Most Rev. Alick Banda, has announced.

Archbishop Banda said Mpundu passed away on 15 May 2026 while receiving treatment at Maina Soko Medical Centre in Lusaka. He has asked parishes and religious communities across the country to offer Masses for the repose of his soul, adding that the funeral programme will be announced in due course.

"It is with deep sorrow that I inform the faithful, clergy, religious, and all people of goodwill of the passing of the Emeritus Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lusaka, Most Rev. Telesphore George Mpundu," Archbishop Banda said.

Born on 21 May 1947 at Kapatu Mission, Mpundu was ordained a priest in 1972. He was installed as Bishop of Mbala, now the Diocese of Mpika, in 1987, serving there for 19 years. In 2004 he was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Lusaka, succeeding as Archbishop in 2006 before retiring in 2018.

Mpundu also served several terms as President of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops. He was widely respected for his outspoken advocacy on governance, social justice, and national affairs, and for his willingness to speak openly on matters of truth and accountability throughout his ministry.

He will be remembered as one of the most influential moral voices in Zambia's recent history, mourned by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.