Catholic priest Fr. Andrea Okello dies in Rumbek

Christians of the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek are mourning the death of Fr. Andrea Osman Okello, parish priest of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Yirol West, who passed away on Wednesday morning.

Fr. Andrea Osman Okello died at the age of 66 after a short illness. He reportedly collapsed at Holy Family Cathedral on May 13, 2026.

According to Fr. Luka Dor, Coordinator for Social Communication in the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek, Fr. Andrea had attended morning prayers and Mass before suddenly collapsing at the gate of the cathedral.

Fr. Dor, speaking on behalf of Bishop Christian Carlassare, Apostolic Administrator of the diocese, said Fr. Andrea dedicated his life to the service of the Church and the community through his priestly ministry and pastoral work.

“He served faithfully and touched many lives through his humility and dedication,” Fr. Dor said, adding that the death had come as a shock to the clergy and faithful.

Fr. Dor reiterated that Fr. Andrea had participated in morning prayers and Mass shortly before the incident, noting that his passing was sudden and unexpected.

“The death of Fr. Andrea Osman Okello has come as a shock to all of us. We did not expect this to happen at this time,” he said.