On June 29, Archbishop-designate Raphael Wokorach of Gulu received his pallium from Pope Francis during the mass solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This event follows his appointment as the Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese by Pope Francis on March 22, 2024.
The pallium, a liturgical vestment, is worn by the Pope, archbishops, and some bishops in the Roman Catholic Church. It symbolizes their participation in papal authority and is bestowed by the Pope on archbishops and bishops.
Father Joseph Mukiibi, Head of Social Communication at the Archdiocese of Kampala, explained that the pallium is a symbol of the power vested in an archbishop of an archdiocese. “It comes from the Holy City; it is the Pope who vests that power into the archbishop,” Father Mukiibi said.
Father Philip Odi, Executive Secretary of Social Communications at the Uganda Episcopal Conference, elaborated on the significance of the pallium. “A pallium is made out of sheep wool, so it symbolizes his authority as a shepherd but also his unity with the Holy Father (Pope),” Father Odi said.
The pallium is a circular band about two inches wide, worn around the neck, breast, and shoulders, with two pendants hanging down in front and at the back. It is made from wool of lambs presented annually by the Lateran canons regular to the chapter of St. John on the feast of St. Agnes. The pallium is reserved for the Pope and Metropolitan Archbishops and is buried with them when they die.
Archbishop Wokorach, who will replace Archbishop John Baptist Odama, is set to be installed on July 14, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Gulu.
Archbishop Wokorach, 63, a member of the Comboni Missionaries, was ordained a priest on September 25, 1993. He was appointed bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese on March 31, 2021, and has been serving there until his recent appointment by Pope Francis as the Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese.
