Following the announcement by Bishop Alain Harel on the appointment of Reverend Father Landry Rasamison as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Port Victoria, President Patrick Herminie has extended his warm congratulations and best wishes to the Bishop-elect.

The announcement was made during a meeting with members of the local clergy and representatives of the Catholic Church. The appointment was made by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, following the established consultative process of the Holy See.

Bishop-elect Rasamison becomes the eleventh Bishop of Port Victoria since the Diocese was established in 1892. He succeeds Bishop Alain Harel, who, having reached the canonical age of 75, submitted his resignation in accordance with Canon Law. In line with Canon 401 §1, bishops are required to present their resignation to the Holy Father upon attaining that age.

Monsignor Landry Philippe Rasamison, O.F.M. Cap., was born on 3 May 1972 in Ambanja, Madagascar. 

He pursued his philosophical and theological studies in Madagascar and obtained a licentiate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University Antonianum in Rome. Ordained to the priesthood on 15 August 2000, he has served in various pastoral and administrative roles, including as parish priest in La Misère and Anse aux Pins. He is a naturalised Seychellois.

Bishop-elect Rasamison will have three months to prepare for his episcopal ordination. Seychelles has an estimated Catholic population of approximately 70,000, representing nearly 76.2 per cent of the total population.

President Herminie has conveyed his confidence that Bishop-elect Rasamison will continue to guide the Catholic community with dedication and pastoral commitment in service to the faithful and the nation. Meanwhile, he also thanked Mr Harel for his service.