By Richard Nde Lajong
The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed The Very Reverend John Berinyuy Tatah as Auxiliary Bishop of Bamenda, effective February 13, 2026. The announcement was made by Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea during a solemn ceremony at St Joseph Metropolitan Cathedral in Mankon-Bamenda, which brought together hundreds of Christians.
The Very Rev. John Berinyuy Tatah, currently Vice Chancellor of PAX Catholic University Institute in Ndop, Ngoketunjia Division, was born on December 18, 1975, in Mbuluf-Shisong, Diocese of Kumbo. He studied Philosophy and Theology at St Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Bambui, Bamenda, and was ordained a priest on March 30, 2005.
Archbishop Nkea hugging Bishop-elect, John Berinyuy Tatah
After his ordination, The Very Reverend Tatah served as parish vicar of St Joseph in Bafut from 2005 to 2006 and as parish priest of St Patrick in Babanki-Tungo from 2006 to 2010. He later studied spirituality at the Dominican Monastery of Bambui and earned a Doctorate in Theology, specializing in Christian anthropology, from the Pontifical Theological Faculty Teresianum in Rome.
Reverend Tatah has also served as Spiritual Director and Lecturer at St Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Bambui and as Chaplain of the Diocesan Charismatic Movement.
Archbishop Andrew Nkea expressed gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for the appointment, stating, “The Holy Father recognises our efforts and is ready to support us. I am very happy today… it’s an emotional day, full of joy, for the new Auxiliary Bishop appointed by the Holy Father in Bamenda.”
Bishop-elect, John Berinyuy Tatah
Monsignor John Berinyuy Tatah said he received the news with humility and surprise, thanking God and the Holy Father for the confidence bestowed upon him. “I promise to work collaboratively with Archbishop Nkea in this ministry,” he said, expressing appreciation for the Archbishop’s support.
From left to right – Mgrs Kintang, Neba and NW Governor Lele Lafrique amongst other religious and Christians
Reverend Tatah was kidnapped by separatist fighters in November 2025, along with other priests, while attempting to negotiate the release of two abducted priests. He was held captive for two weeks and released on December 2, 2025, after the Church hierarchy refused to pay a ransom.
