Roman-Ruthenian Autonomous Missionary Province Established for Cameroon and Central Africa

Archbishop Mvondo,
Primate of Cameroon and Central Africa

By A. DiNardo

YAOUNDÉ 02 October 2026 (NRom)

A new ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, the Autonomous Missionary Province of Cameroon and Central Africa, has been established by decree of His Apostolic Highness, the Most Holy Pope Radislav I of Rome-Ruthenia. The newly constituted missionary province will have its Primatial Archdiocese in Yaoundé, Cameroon, which will serve as the principal ecclesiastical see for its work in Cameroon and the wider Central African region. The Province is also admitted as a full member of the Apostolic Congregation of the Consistory. 

His Excellency Bishop Pierre Marie Mvondo, of the Congregation of Mary and of the Holy Apostles of Jesus, has been appointed Primate of the Autonomous Missionary Province. In connection with his appointment as primate, Monsignor Mvondo has also been granted the personal rank and dignity of Archbishop. The establishment of the province provides a formal ecclesiastical structure for the continuation and development of its missionary, pastoral, and sacramental ministry throughout the region. 

Liturgy in a parish in Cameroon.

The province identifies its episcopal succession with the Thục line of apostolic succession and will continue to celebrate and preserve the Roman Rite tradition. Its spiritual and pastoral life will also be shaped by a Franciscan charism, emphasizing missionary service, simplicity, fraternity, prayer, and care for the communities entrusted to its ministry.

From its primatial see in Yaoundé, the new province is expected to coordinate missionary activity, strengthen clergy and religious formation, support local communities, and foster the development of its ecclesiastical presence across Cameroon and Central Africa.

The decree marks a new stage in the organization of the church's missionary work in the region, placing the province under the primatial leadership of Archbishop Pierre Marie Mvondo while maintaining its Roman liturgical heritage and Franciscan spiritual identity.