By Andrew Nsoseka
The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Reverend John Berinyuy Tata as the new Auxiliary Bishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Bamenda.
At the time of his appointment, which was announced publicly on February 13, 2026, Bishop-elect Tata was serving as the Rector of the Catholic University of Cameroon in Bamenda (CATUC). His selection marks a vote of confidence in a priest who has dedicated his life to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and pastoral service.
Born on December 18, 1975, in Mbuluf-Shisong, in the neighbouring Diocese of Kumbo, the Bishop-elect’s journey to the episcopacy has been one of quiet dedication and intellectual rigour. He began his priestly formation at the prestigious Saint Thomas Aquinas Interdiocesan Major Seminary in Bambui, Bamenda, where he studied philosophy and theology before being ordained a priest for the Archdiocese on March 30, 2005.
In the years following his ordination, Father Tata gained invaluable pastoral experience, serving first as Parish Vicar of Saint Joseph in Bafut (2005-2006) and then as Parish Priest of Saint Patrick in Babanki-Tungo (2006-2010). His thirst for deeper theological knowledge then led him to Rome, where he studied at the Pontifical Theological Faculty Teresianum. There, he specialized in Christian anthropology and was awarded a doctorate in theology.
Upon returning to Cameroon, he channeled his expertise into the formation of future priests, serving as Spiritual Director and Lecturer at his alma mater, Saint Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Bambui. He also served as chaplain to the diocesan Charismatic Movement.
Most recently, he has held the esteemed position of Rector of the Catholic University of Cameroon in Bamenda, a role in which he has worked tirelessly to foster academic and moral development in the region’s youth.
The Archdiocese of Bamenda now prepares to welcome its new Auxiliary Bishop, who will assist the Metropolitan Archbishop, His Grace Andrew Nkea, in shepherding the faithful. The appointment of a theologian with such a strong background in both pastoral care and academia is seen as a blessing for the local Church, promising a future of compassionate leadership grounded in deep spiritual and intellectual conviction.
