Pope Leo XIV Appoints New Bishop of Wabag, Papua New Guinea

CBC PNGSI News | July 7, 2025

WABAG, PNG — The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Most Reverend Justin Ain Soongie as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Wabag, a suffragan diocese under the Metropolitan See of Mount Hagen.

His Lordship Justin Ain Soongie

The appointment was officially announced by the Apostolic Nunciature in Port Moresby and confirmed at 12:00 PM (Rome), 8:00 PM (Papua New Guinea), and 9:00 PM (Bougainville).

Leadership After Bishop Orowae

Bishop Soongie succeeds the late Bishop Arnold Orowae, who passed away on December 27, 2024. Following Bishop Orowae’s death, Soongie assumed the role of Apostolic Administrator and has served faithfully until his formal appointment as Local Ordinary on July 7, 2025.

Bishop Soongie had earlier been appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Wabag in June 2021, assisting Bishop Orowae in pastoral leadership.

Meet Bishop Justin Ain Soongie

Born on 2 June 1973 in Tsikiro, in the Diocese of Wabag, Enga Province, Bishop Soongie is a son of the soil. He was ordained a priest on May 11, 2005, for the Diocese of Wabag, following years of theological and spiritual formation.

Education and Formation:

• 1993–1994: Postulancy with the Brothers of Charity

• 1995–1996: Novitiate with the Brothers of Charity

• 1997–1999: Good Shepherd Seminary, Fatima

• 2002–2004: Catholic Theological Institute, Bomana

• 2014: Licentiate in Moral Theology, Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome

Pastoral and Academic Ministry

Since his ordination, Bishop Soongie has faithfully served in a range of pastoral and academic positions, including:

• 2005: Parish Priest, Tsikiro

• 2005–2006: Parish Priest, Mang and Mariant

• 2006–2011: Parish Priest, Mang

• 2011–2014: Further studies in Rome

• Since 2014: Parish Priest, Sari

• Since 2014: Vicar General, Diocese of Wabag

• Since 2014: Lecturer, Seminary of Banz, Archdiocese of Mt. Hagen

A Shepherd from Among His People

Bishop Soongie brings to his episcopacy a deep knowledge of his people, theological expertise, and years of pastoral care.

His appointment has been received with joy and gratitude by the faithful of Wabag and beyond.

Let us pray for Bishop Justin Ain Soongie as he leads the Diocese of Wabag with courage, wisdom, and faith.