Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel's greatest accolade is his appointment as a cardinal, a rare honor for an Eastern Catholic prelate from Africa. He is the first Ethiopian cardinal from the Eastern rite, and his participation in the 2025 conclave underscores his influence. His resilience, having survived imprisonment under a communist regime, and his decades of pastoral leadership have earned him respect both in Ethiopia and internationally. He is a symbol of the Catholic Church's presence in the Horn of Africa, and his legacy is one of faithful service and bridge-building.

Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel receiving an award

AwardsCardinal Souraphiel's primary honor is his elevation to the College of Cardinals in 2015, a recognition of his service to the Church. He has not received formal awards in the traditional sense, but his leadership and pastoral work have been widely acknowledged. He holds an honorary doctorate from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, where he serves as chancellor.

Honours & Distinctions

Cardinal

Pope Francis·2015

Elevated to the College of Cardinals.

Honorary Doctorate

Catholic University of Eastern Africa·Unknown

Recognized for his contributions to education and the Church.

Records & Feats

First Ethiopian Eastern Catholic Cardinal

Historic First·2015

He is the first cardinal from the Ethiopian Catholic Church, an Eastern Catholic church in full communion with Rome.