ASIA/INDONESIA - The Pope appoints new Bishop of Sibolga

Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, on 14 March 2007 appointed Fr Ludovikus Simanullang, O.F.M. Cap., Capuchin Provincial at Sibolga Bishop of Sibolga (Indonesia).
Ludovikus Simanullang, O.F.M. Cap., was born on 23 April 1955 at Sogar, diocese of Sibolga. He started the Novitiate with the Friars Minor Capuchins on 12 January 1976. He studied philosophy and theology at the major seminary at Pematang Siantar. He made his perpetual profession on 2 August 1981 and was ordained a priest on 10 July 1983. Since then he has ministered as follows: assistant priest at Tarutung Bolak1983-1984 and then at Teluk Dalam Nias 1984-1989; Studies in Rome for a degree in spiritually at the Antonianum college 1989-1994; master of postulants and provincial vicar of the new Capuchin province of Sibolga 1994-199:; Capuchin provincial of Sibolga (2 mandates) 1997-2003:; 2003-2006: administrator inter-diocesan Seminary and head of formation at the Capuchin post-novitiate in Sibolga; since 2006 re-elected Capuchin provincial of Sibolga.
The diocese of Sibolga, suffragan of the archdiocese of Medan was created in 1980. It has an area of 26,413sq km , a population of 2,284,170 including 197,383 Catholics gathered in 21 parishes assisted by 63 priests (18 diocesan, 45 religious), 182 women religious and there are 26 major seminarians. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 14/3/2007; Righe 18; Parole 233)