The suspension follows a prolonged leadership crisis sparked by the January 2024 appointment of Bishop Emmanuel Ngona Ngotsi
Newsroom (14/10/2025, Gaudium Press) The Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization has halted the formation of seminarians in the Diocese of Wamba, citing a “difficult ecclesial environment” that it says undermines effective priestly training. The decision, communicated in a letter dated October 7 by Bishop Sosthène Ayikuli Udjuwa, the apostolic administrator of the diocese, comes amid ongoing tensions over leadership in the northeastern Congolese diocese.
The suspension follows a prolonged leadership crisis sparked by the January 2024 appointment of Bishop Emmanuel Ngona Ngotsi as Wamba’s local ordinary. Despite his episcopal ordination in Kinshasa, Ngotsi has been unable to assume full control of the diocese due to opposition from some clergy and laity who argue that the diocese should be led by a native of the region.
In his letter, Bishop Ayikuli, who also serves as the bishop of the Mahagi-Nioka Diocese, explained that the Dicastery for Evangelization determined that “the formation of future priests in such a difficult ecclesial environment would be entirely inappropriate.” As a result, the dicastery has ordered the suspension of priestly formation in Wamba until further notice.
The decision impacts St. Leo Minor Seminary in Lingondo, a key formation center in the diocese, which the Vatican has deemed noncompliant with current ecclesial standards. Seminarians wishing to continue their priestly formation have been directed to seek placement in other dioceses after discernment with willing bishops. Alternatively, they may pursue vocations in religious institutes or societies of apostolic life, adhering to the respective formation norms.
“I am prepared to accompany the seminarians in their choices and in carrying them out, particularly concerning the written application to the local ordinary of the chosen diocese,” Bishop Ayikuli wrote, pledging support to facilitate their transitions.
The suspension underscores the broader challenges facing the Wamba Diocese as it navigates internal divisions and seeks to restore stability. The Vatican has not indicated when formation activities might resume, leaving the future of priestly training in the diocese uncertain.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
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