In a media statement issued by the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulates Cardinal-elect Stephen Brislin of Cape Town Archdiocese for his nomination.

“Archbishop Brislin’s elevation is an exceptional personal honour and recognition of his spiritual leadership and stewardship of the Catholic Church in South Africa,” said President Ramaphosa in the Tuesday, July 11 statement.

The South African President further said the nomination of the Cardinal-elect “is cause for pride among South Africans of all backgrounds and should inspire all of us to exercise our beliefs, in our diversity, with deep devotion.”

Meanwhile in a separate statement shared with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) communications office, the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) congratulate the Cardinal-elect Brislin as well as Monsignor Protase RUGAMBWA, Coadjutor Archbishop of Tabora, Tanzania and Monsignor Stephen Ameyu Martin MULLA, Archbishop of Juba, South Sudan on their nomination as Cardinals.

“The Church in Africa has received this news with great joy and is praying for the success of this new and noble mission,” reads the message signed by SECAM Secretary General Rev. Fr. Rafael SIMBINE Junior.