In a significant moment of transition and continuity within the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Paul Kariuki Njiru, the founding Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wote.

In the same announcement, the Holy Father appointed the current Auxiliary Bishop of Wote, Rt. Rev. Simon Peter Kamomoe, as Apostolic Administrator, entrusting him with the pastoral and administrative leadership of the diocese during this transitional period.

The announcement was made in Rome on March 25, 2026, at 12:00 noon (Vatican time), corresponding to 2:00 p.m. in Kenya. It was formally communicated to the Kenyan episcopate through the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Archbishop Bert Van Megen.

The resignation of Bishop Kariuki marks the close of a historic chapter for the Diocese of Wote, a jurisdiction he helped establish from its very foundation. Appointed on July 22, 2023, by Pope Francis, he became the first bishop of the newly created diocese and was installed on September 30, 2023, ushering in a new era for the Catholic faithful in Makueni County.

Born on March 11, 1963, in Kathunguri, Embu County, Bishop Kariuki’s vocation reflects decades of dedication to priestly and pastoral service. He u ndertook his philosophical studies at St. Joseph Seminary in Meru and later pursued theology at St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Nairobi. He was ordained a priest on March 1, 1993.

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Before taking up his role in Wote, Bishop Kariuki served as Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Embu from 2009 to 2023, following his appointment by Pope Benedict XVI. During his tenure, he earned recognition for his strong pastoral leadership and commitment to institutional development.

Notably, he served as Chairman of the Catholic Health Commission of Kenya, where he oversaw an extensive network of Church-run health facilities across the country. His leadership in Wote extended beyond spiritual guidance to the practical task of building diocesan structures from the ground up. He emphasized catechetical formation, strengthened evangelization efforts, and fostered unity among clergy, religious, and lay faithful.

Bishop Kariuki also remained attentive to the social and economic realities facing communities in the region, advocating for dignity, development, and improved livelihoods for the people he served.

In recent times, Bishop Kariuki has faced health challenges, prompting increased reliance on auxiliary leadership within the diocese. His resignation, now formally accepted, reflects a thoughtful and pastoral decision rooted in responsibility and concern for the faithful.

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The appointment of an Apostolic Administrator ensures continuity in governance and pastoral care, allowing the Diocese of Wote to continue its mission uninterrupted as the Church prepares to appoint a new diocesan bishop.

The development marks the end of Bishop Kariuki’s tenure as the first bishop of Wote and ushers in a new phase for the diocese as it continues to grow and serve the faithful.

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