Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu, who led Zambia’s most prominent see from 2006 until 2018, died on May 15 at the age of 78.
In 2024, Archbishop Mpundu incurred an automatic excommunication when he ordained a bishop without papal approval.
Archbishop Mpundu “was widely respected for his strong advocacy on governance, social justice, and national affairs, courageously speaking out on matters of truth and justice while shepherding the faithful with compassion and wisdom,” said Archbishop Alick Banda, his successor as archbishop of Lusaka.