Pope Leo XIV appoints Sithembele Sipuka as the new Archbishop of Cape Town

Cape Town has a new Catholic Archbishop after Sithembele Sipuka was appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Town by Pope Leo XIV, drawing widespread congratulations from civic and church leaders.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis hailed the appointment, saying the role has long been a force for social good in the city.

“On behalf of the City of Cape Town, I send our warm congratulations and well wishes to Archbishop-elect Sipuka on his appointment by Pope Leo XIV. The role of Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Town has been an historical force for social good in our city, not only for those of Catholic faith, but for the betterment of our city and all Capetonians,” Hill-Lewis said.

The mayor added that faith leaders had played a key role in shaping Cape Town’s civic life.

“We are a better city today thanks to the influential role played by leaders of all faiths. Archbishop-elect Sipuka continues this proud civic tradition as the President of the South African Council of Churches (SACC), and now also as Archbishop. We look forward to working together in building a city of hope for all.”

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) also welcomed the appointment, describing it as a moment of gratitude and affirmation of Sipuka’s lifelong ministry.

In a statement issued by SACC general secretary Mzwandile Molo, the council said: “The SACC warmly congratulates its president, Archbishop-elect Sithembele Sipuka, on his appointment by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Town. The SACC received the news of the appointment of Archbishop-elect Sipuka with gratitude to God for God’s call on his life and God’s faithfulness throughout his ministry.”

The statement praised Sipuka’s leadership and pastoral character, adding:

“At a time when the Church and society yearn for shepherding marked by courage, clarity, humility, compassion and hope, the SACC… believes he is God’s offering to the nation and the church.”

The council assured the Archbishop-elect of its continued support:

“As you assume this new responsibility in the Archdiocese of Cape Town… be assured of our prayers. We pray that the Lord grant you grace for each day, wisdom with each decision, and courage to lead with faith and conviction.”

Sipuka succeeds Stephen Brislin, who has served as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Cape Town since October 2024 following his appointment as Archbishop of Johannesburg.

Born on 27 April 1960, Sipuka was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Queenstown on 17 December 1988. He was appointed Bishop of Mthatha on February 8, 2008 and ordained bishop on May 3, 2008. Before his episcopal ministry, he served as rector of St John Vianney National Seminary, where he played a formative role in training future priests and shaping pastoral leadership within the Catholic Church.

Until his latest appointment, he served as Bishop of the Diocese of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape and previously as President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) from February 2019 to January 2024, where his tenure was marked by an emphasis on dialogue, synodality and the Church’s prophetic role in society.

Sipuka also served the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) for more than a decade, including as first vice-president from 2019 to 2022, and chaired its Justice and Peace Commission, becoming a leading voice on issues of governance, migration, unemployment and social inequality across the continent.

In July 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Sipuka to South Africa’s National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group, recognising his standing as a trusted voice on reconciliation, social cohesion and ethical leadership. He also serves on the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

At 67, Sipuka is the first Catholic bishop to serve as President of the SACC. As he takes up leadership of the Archdiocese of Cape Town, Archbishop-elect Sithembele Anton Sipuka brings decades of pastoral experience, strong ecumenical credentials and national influence to one of Southern Africa’s most significant Catholic sees.

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