The Holy See announced today that Pope Francis has established a new diocese in Nigeria.
The Diocese of Pankshin, which was erected by the Holy Father today, is comprised of territory taken from the Archdiocese of Jos and the Diocese of Shendam.
According to the Holy See Press Office, the new diocese will be a suffragan, or subordinate, of the metropolitan of Jos.
The Holy Father also named Fr. Michael Gobal Gokum, a priest from the Archdiocese of Jos, as the first bishop of Pankshin. Bishop-elect Gokum has served in several pastoral, administrative and academic roles in Nigeria.
The Diocese of Pankshin will comprise five civil districts: Pankshin, Kanke, Bokkos, Mangu and Kanam. Holy Cross Church will serve as the cathedral of Pankshin. (J.A.E.)
