Pope names new Angola diocese

POPE JOHN PAUL II has established a new diocese in Angola and named an Angolan Franciscan as its bishop, the Vatican has announced.
Named as head of the Diocese of Mbarza Congo was Bishop Alfonso Nteka, a member of the order of Friars Minor Capuchin. He has been the superior for Capuchins in Angola as well as vicar general of the Diocese of Ulle.
Angola is engaged in a civil war between the Marxist government of President Jose Eduardo dos Santos and the guerrilla group, Unita, the Portuguese initials for the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola.
Although the Church in Angola has remained neutral, it has also been victimised with the kidnappings of 59 priests and nuns.
Approximately 3.3 million of Angola's 7.25 million population is Catholic. The newest diocese brings the total number of diocese in the country to 13, including three archdiocese priests.