By Doris Sialusunga, CNCS, Lusaka
Metropolitan Archbishop of Lusaka, Most Rev. Dr. Alick Banda, has described Archbishop Emeritus Telesphore George Mpundu as a courageous defender of justice and the poor, whose life was characterised by humility.
Archbishop Banda said this during the funeral Mass of Archbishop Mpundu held at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus at Pope Square in Lusaka.
He said Archbishop Mpundu was a shepherd dedicated to serving God and humanity without discrimination.
“We thank God for his ministry, characterised by courage in defending the weak, humility in being unassuming and wisdom in reading the signs of the time,” said Archbishop Banda.
He noted that Archbishop Mpundu’s ministry was grounded not in pomp but purpose, not in power but service.
“He put service above status. He was responsive to the needs of the poor, the weak and the voiceless,” said Archbishop Banda.
He said Archbishop Mpundu was a passionate advocate for justice who refused to remain silent in the face of injustice and abuse of power.
“He was a passionate voice for justice and defender of the dignity of every human being, especially the disenfranchised, the refugees, the incarcerated and the outcasts of our society,” said Archbishop Banda.
He added that Archbishop Mpundu stood firm even when criticised for speaking out.
“He was a voice of the voiceless, yet he remained undaunted and unshaken, relying entirely on the Lord our God,” said Archbishop Banda.
Archbishop Banda said the best tribute Christians can pay to Archbishop Mpundu is fidelity to Christ and his mission.
“That his spirit will live in us to defend the weak, to be humble and unashamed and indeed, be faithful till the end,” he said.
And Sr. Rose Nyondo from the Congregation of the Daughters of the Redeemer said she remembers the late Archbishop Telesphore George Mpundu as a man of integrity, transparency and justice who lived the values he preached.
“He did not preach justice, he lived it,” she said.
Sr. Rose, who worked as Secretary for Communication at the Catholic Secretariat, said he guided people with compassion, wisdom and love.
“He was always there, not to correct with a harsh hand, but to guide with compassion, love and wisdom,” she said.
She said Archbishop Mpundu empowered people with knowledge and understanding in the execution of duties.
“He guided you and gave you the knowledge that you needed for your execution of duties. He did not judge you, he understood you,” she said.
Archbishop Emeritus Mpundu died on May 15, 2026 at Maina Soko Medical Centre in Lusaka.
He retired from active ministry in 2018.
He served in various leadership positions in the Catholic Church, including as President of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, Secretary General of the bishops’ conference, Bishop of Mpika and later Archbishop of Lusaka.