KAMPALA-Pope Francis has transferred his current ambassador to Uganda, Archbishop Michael August Blume with immediate effect.
American Archbishop Blume, who has been in the position since February 2, 2013 — on appointment by Pope Benedict XVI, (now Pope Emeritus), will be moving to Hungary, sources in the Catholic Church told this website.
His replacement and other details are yet to be announced by the Vatican but it is understood the transfer is part of the shake-up in the Holy See’s diplomatic corps – normally an every 5-year exercise of changing the Vatican Ambassadors.
Archbishop Blume, replaced Korean-born Archbishop Paul Tschang In-Nam as Nuncio to Uganda five years ago. He was instrumental in organising the Pope Francis’ visit to Uganda in November 2015.
Until his posting to Uganda in 2013, Archbishop Blume was Apostolic Nuncio to Benin and Togo.
Born on May 30, 1946 in South Bend (Indiana), United States of America, he was ordained a religious priest for the Society of Divine Word (S.V.D.) on December 23, 1972.
Archbishop Blume holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a doctorate degree in Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome
He is a former Provincial Superior of the Society of Divine Word (S.V.D.) in Ghana, Benin and Togo from 1983 to 1990 before appointment to secretary general of the Society in Rome from 1990 to 1994.
On April 1, 1995 he started working at the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, Vatican City. On April 6, 2000 he was appointed under-secretary of the same Pontifical Council.
On 24 August 24, 2005 he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Benin and Togo.
