The Catholic Archdiocese of Juba has announced the death of His Grace Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro, Emeritus Archbishop of Juba today in Nairobi, Kenya.

In a somber statement, Archbishop Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla said: “I, your shepherd, by God’s will and design, bring you the saddest news of my entire lifetime: My predecessor and Father, His Grace Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro, a star that ceaselessly was shining over our church and nation for well over thirty years has this morning flickered out in the Kenyan capital city of Nairobi.”

Archbishop Ameyu has declared a 4-day mourning period for Lukudu starting and said further details will be announced when available.

He described Lukudu’s death as ‘tragic and saddest of all news’ that will not only affect the church but the country at large.

The statement did not share details on the cause of death and it however, remains unclear when the deceased retired Archbishop will be laid to rest.

Born in August 1940, Lukudu joined the Congregation of the Comboni Missionaries and was ordained a priest in April 1970.

He served in several churches in Sudan and was appointed archbishop of Juba on February 19, 1983, serving until he eventually retired in 2020.