Archbishop Sipuka reflects on leadership and the Church’s mission after pallium investiture

Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS – Vatican City

After the Eucharistic celebration in St. Peter’s Basilica, Archbishop Sipuka met with a few well-wishers at Rome’s Guest House Domus Australia. He reflected with them on the meaning of the pallium, the vocation of leadership, and the Church’s call to foster unity, justice, and reconciliation in South Africa.

Speaking to his guests, Archbishop Sipuka expressed his gratitude to all those who had accompanied him on this important trip to Rome. He also thanked everyone who made it possible for the delegation to travel. The prelate acknowledged Cardinal Stephen Brislin, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Johannesburg, for his fraternal support and for introducing him to the community at Domus Australia, a place of hospitality.

What is a pallium?

The Archbishop explained that throughout his life he had often been entrusted with leadership positions, but receiving the pallium from the Pope that day helped him deeply understand the true meaning of that vocation.

The Pallium is a liturgical vestment worn over the chasuble by Archbishops. It is bestowed by the pope on archbishops with metropolitan jurisdiction. It is a symbol of their participation in papal authority. Made of a circular strip of white lamb’s wool, it is worn over the shoulders on top of the chasuble.

Some of the well-wishers who celebrated with Archbishop Sithembele Sipuka   (©Sr Christine Masivo)

Leadership is not about status

Archbishop Sipuka observed that the pallium recalls the story of the “Good Shepherd who carries the lost sheep home.” He emphasised that leadership is never about status or privilege but about carrying others on one’s shoulders in loving service. No shepherd walks alone, he remarked.

“Whatever fruit this ministry has borne is the work of God’s grace, and I am grateful to all who have supported me throughout my priestly and episcopal ministry,” he said.

United and Sent

Referring to his episcopal motto, ‘United and Sent,’ Archbishop Sipuka said he draws inspiration from the witness of the Apostles Peter and Paul. He explained that Peter represents the unity of the Church gathered around the Successor of Peter, while Paul embodies the Church’s missionary vocation to proclaim the Gospel to every nation and people.

“The pallium binds me to the Successor of Peter and to the universal Church,” Archbishop Sipuka said. He added, “At the same time, it sends me forth in mission to accompany God’s people wherever they are.”

Social challenges in South Africa

Turning his attention to the situation in South Africa, the Archbishop called for renewed commitment to fraternity and solidarity amid growing tensions affecting migrants and refugees from other African countries. Acknowledging the difficult social realities faced by ordinary South Africans, he cautioned against directing frustration toward vulnerable migrants.

“Our pain calls us not to find someone to blame but something to build,” he said. “Only together can we seek lasting solutions that uphold the dignity of every person.”

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Cardinal Brislin’s encouragement

Cardinal Stephen Brislin congratulated Archbishop Sipuka on receiving the pallium and expressed gratitude for his generous acceptance of the ministry entrusted to him in Cape Town. He commended the archbishop for his exemplary service to the Church in South Africa and across the African continent.

Cardinal Brislin urged the Cape Town prelate to continue speaking out on behalf of the poor, against corruption, and inequality. He prayed that Archbishop Sipuka’s passion for interfaith dialogue, national reconciliation, and good governance would continue to be expressed in his pastoral ministry.

Archbishop Sithembele Sipuka with two Precious Blood Sisters at the event   (©Sr Christine Masivo)