Pope Leo XIV Appoints New Bishop of Auki

PORT MORESBY

— October 28, 2025.The Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Archbishop Maurizio Bravi, has officially announced that the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Reverend Father Jacob Aba, S.M. as the new Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auki in the Solomon Islands.

The announcement was formally made in Rome at 12:00 noon on 28 October 2025, corresponding to 8:00 p.m. in Papua New Guinea and 9:00 p.m. in Solomon Islands and Bougainville.

Fr. Aba currently serves as Parish Priest of the Holy Name of Mary Parish in Tanagai, Honiara, and a member of the Provincial Council of the Society of Mary (Marists).

Biography of Bishop-Elect Jacob Aba, S.M.

Reverend Father Jacob Aba was born on January 6, 1976, in Matakana Kafo on the island of Malaita, within the Diocese of Auki. He is the son of Soni Henry and Veronica Atoa, and is one of six siblings. One of his sisters is also a religious sister of the Society of Mary, presently serving in Peru. The family belongs to St. John’s Parish in Dala.

Fr. Aba completed his secondary studies at Biula Provincial Secondary School in the Western Province. He later pursued Philosophy and Theology at the Catholic Theological Institute in Bomana, Port Moresby, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree.

He undertook his novitiate with the Society of Mary in Tutu, Fiji (2003–2004) and made his religious profession on December 28, 2004.On December 10, 2009, he was ordained to the priesthood in Dala Parish, Diocese of Auki.

In 2017, Fr. Aba completed a Diploma in Human Development, Leadership, Formation, and Community Building at St. Anselm’s School in Kent, United Kingdom.

Pastoral Ministry and Service

Years	Role / Assignment	Location
2010–2011	Assistant Parish Priest	Holy Name of Mary Parish, Tanagai
2012–2014	Parish Priest	Queen of Martyrs Parish, Wainoni, Makira
2017–2018	Formator	Marist College, Suva, Fiji
2018–2021	Formation Assistant	Marist Novitiate, Philippines
Since 2022	Director of Parish Farm and Chaplain of Rural Training Centre	Tanagai
Since 2023	Parish Priest & Director of St. Martin Rural Training Centre Parish School	Tanagai
Since 2023	Provincial Council Member, Society of Mary	Pacific Province

A Moment of Joy for the Diocese

The Diocese of Auki, home to one of the oldest Catholic communities in the Solomon Islands, welcomed the news with great joy. The appointment of a bishop from within the local Church is seen as a sign of continuity, cultural understanding, and encouragement for vocations in the region.

Bishop-Elect Aba will assume his responsibilities following his episcopal ordination, the date of which will be announced in due course.