Marist is first Pacific Islander to be Archbishop of Nouméa

Archbishop Sionepoe, 60, was installed at the Cathedral of St Joseph in Nouméa last month. Formerly the Bishop of Wallis and Futuna, Archbishop Sionepoe succeeded Archbishop Michel-Marie Calvet SM in the role.

Archbishop Calvet had provided pastoral care for Nouméa archdiocese for 44 years. His service has made a lasting impact on the Church in the region.

The metropolitan Archdiocese of Nouméa has suffragan dioceses of Port Vila (Vanuatu) and Wallis and Futuna. Wellington-based Archbishop Gábor Pinter, the Apostolic Nuncio to New Zealand and Apostolic Delegate to the Pacific Oceania, was in Nouméa for the installation.

During his entry to the cathedral, the new archbishop was surrounded by conches and drums from Lifou Island, as well as traditional singing and dancing from Wallis and Futuna.

More than 600 Catholics outside the cathedral watched the service on a giant screen. Back in Wallis and Futuna, the live broadcast was followed by thousands.

The occasion was both a celebration of continuity and renewal, honouring the legacy of Archbishop Calvet while embracing the fresh leadership of Archbishop Sionepoe.

During his inaugural homily, the new archbishop appealed to all Catholics, especially in New Caledonia, to remain “artisan[s] of peace”.

Catholicism is a major denomination in New Caledonia, with a 182-year history in the French Pacific territory. In the weeks following destructive riots that broke out in May 2024, several Catholic missions throughout New Caledonia were targeted by arson and largely destroyed.

Archbishop Sionepoe was ordained as a priest in 1993 and became Bishop of Wallis in 1998. He has also served in Tonga, in the north of New Caledonia and Fiji.

FULL STORY

First Pacific Islander installed as Archbishop of Nouméa (By Patrick Decloitre/Radio New Zealand)

A New Chapter for the Church in New Caledonia: Installation of Archbishop Susitino Sionepoe (Marist Star)

Nouméa (Archdiocese) [Catholic-Hierarchy] (Catholic Hierarchy)