An eagerly awaited announcement will be made on Wednesday regarding the appointment of a new leader for the Catholic Church in Samoa. 

The position of Archbishop for the Samoa and Tokelau Archdiocese has been vacant since the passing of the esteemed Alapati Lui Mataeliga in April 2023. The appointment of a new Archbishop is a significant decision made by the central authority of the Catholic Church in Vatican City, Rome.

Meanwhile, this newspaper has learned that a priest of the Salesians of Don Bosco, currently serving in New Zealand is expected to be appointed as the new leader of the Catholic Church in Samoa.

Following Archbishop Mataeliga’s death, Pope Francis issued a papal decree from the Vatican two months later, appointing Bishop Emeritus Peter Hugh Brown as the apostolic administrator. 

As a retired bishop of Samoa and Pago Pago, Bishop Brown has been responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the archdiocese during this transitional period. The role of an apostolic administrator is crucial, as it ensures the continuity of the church's functions until a new Archbishop is officially appointed.

In anticipation of the new appointment, all other church office appointments in Samoa have been put on hold. This pause underscores the importance of the Archbishop's role in guiding the local Catholic community.

The Catholic Church holds a significant place in Samoan society. According to the Samoa Government's 2021 population and housing census, there are 36,096 Catholics in the country, making it the second-largest Christian denomination in Samoa. 

The largest is the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.), which boasts a membership of 55,411 out of the nation’s total population of 205,557.

The announcement of the new Archbishop is not only a pivotal moment for the Catholic faithful in Samoa but also a reflection of the church's enduring influence and leadership in the region. The new leader will be expected to continue the legacy of the late Archbishop Mataeliga, fostering spiritual growth and addressing the needs of the community.