Apostolic Prefecture of Robe

Father Angelo Antolini, O.F.M. Cap. Prefect of Robe, Ethiopia

Birth Place: San Donato Milanese

Birth Date: 17 Dec 1954

Ordained Priest: 2 Oct 1982

Appointed Vicar Apostolic: 29 Jun 2016

Historical Note
In February 11th, 2012 from the territory of the Apostolic Vicariate of Meki, the Apostolic Prefecture of Robe has been established by Pope Benedict XVI. At the same time, Br. Angelo Antolini ofm Cap has been appointed as the first Apostolic Prefect, and the territory of the Prefecture was put under the care of the Franciscan Capuchin Order. The patroness of the Prefecture is Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Virgin and Foundress.

Extent
The Apostolic Prefecture of Robe comprises a territory of 102,769 km2 with a population of 3,822,346 and a density of 36.8 people per km2. Politically, it extends in 3 Zones: 2 in the Regional State of Oromia and 1 in the Regional State of Somali. In Oromia, it comprises 6 Provinces of the West Arsi Zone and all 20 Provinces of Bale Zone (now divided into West and East Bale). In Somali, it comprises all 9 provinces of the Afder Zone.

APPROXIMATE FIGURES

The population is estimated to be around 1,112 Catholics with pastoral Centres of 6 Catechumens.