Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako, Archbishop of Khartoum (Sudan), was born on February 27, 1941 in Mboro, Sudan. He was ordained a priest on July 21, 1963 and holds a licentiate in theology with a specialization in pastoral theology.
He began his priestly ministry as an assistant parish priest and as inspector for Christian Religious Education in the schools of the Gogrial District. He later served as rector of St Anthony’s Minor Seminary, Bussere, and was procurator for the Vicariate of Wau, where he also served as vicar delegate.
He also held the post of provincial commissioner of the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides.
On December 12, 1974, he was appointed as Bishop of Wau and was ordained on April 6, 1975. On October 30, 1979 he was appointed as Coadjutor Bishop of Khartoum, and on October 10, 1981 succeded to Archbishop.
Cardinal Zubeir Wako was President of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (1978-1990 and 1992-1999).
Created and proclaimed Cardinal by John Paul II in the Consistory of October 21, 2003, of the Title of St. Athanasius in Via Tiburtina.
Curial membership:
- Evangelization of Peoples (congregation)
- Cor Unum (council)
