A new Archbishop for the Catholic Church of Solomon Islands was been announced by His Holiness, Pope Francis in Rome at lunch yesterday Rome time.
He is Bishop Christopher Cardone OP, (Dominican Friars Order) is the new Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Honiara, succeeding Archbishop Adrian Thomas Smith SM, who has been the Archbishop for 31 years.
The newly elected Most Reverend Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP, was born in New York, USA. Ordained in the Order of Dominican Friars Preacher in 1986.
Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Gizo in 2001 and from 2004 to the present as Bishop of Auki, Malaita Province.
He has served the Solomon Islands for the last 27 years.
“On behalf of our Church Leaders, the clergies and the Catholic people of the Catholic Church of Solomon Islands we congratulate the newly appointed Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP, on your new appointment. Our prayers are with you as you generously accept this appointment to continue serving our people in the Solomon Islands,” a statement from the Catholic members said.
The date for installation of the new Archbishop in the Archdiocese of Honiara is yet to be confirmed.