The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Fr. Jean Miguina, O.F.M. Cap., as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Sarh, Chad. The appointment was officially announced by the Apostolic Nunciature in Chad on 16 July 2026, following the Holy Father’s acceptance of the resignation of Bishop Miguel Ángel Sebastián Martínez, M.C.C.J., who stepped down upon reaching the canonical age limit.
The appointment marks an important moment for both the Catholic Church in Chad and the Capuchin Franciscan family, as Fr. Jean Miguina brings to the episcopal ministry extensive pastoral, academic, and administrative experience. Born on 12 September 1978 in Laï, within the Diocese of Laï, Fr. Jean Miguina was ordained a priest on 21 November 2009 in Moundou. Since his ordination, he has dedicated his ministry to pastoral service, priestly formation, higher education, and ecclesial leadership.
His early ministry included serving as Regional Assistant of the Franciscan Youth of Bangui (2009–2012). In 2015, he obtained a Licentiate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (Rome). He later served as Professor and Rector of the Saint Laurent University Institute in Bouar, Central African Republic.
Within the Capuchin Order, Fr. Miguina has held numerous leadership positions. From 2016 to 2019, he served as Secretary of the Conference of Major Capuchin Superiors of Central and West Africa. Between 2019 and 2022, he was Guardian of the Capuchin Friars of Chad–Central African Republic and President of the Conference of Major Capuchin Superiors of Central and West Africa.
Alongside his pastoral ministry, he pursued advanced academic studies, earning a Master’s degree (2020) and a Doctorate (2024) in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action from the Catholic University of Central Africa in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Since 2024, Fr. Jean Miguina has served as a member of the College of Consultors of the Diocese of Moundou, Spiritual Assistant to the Franciscan Sisters of Donia, and Professor of Latin at Saint Mbaga Tuzinde Major Seminary in Sarh.
Within the Capuchin Custody of Chad and the Central African Republic, he currently serves as Director of the Capuchin Aspirants, Custody Councillor, Guardian, and member of the Legal Commission, reflecting the confidence placed in his pastoral judgment and canonical expertise.
The Diocese of Sarh now welcomes a shepherd whose ministry has been distinguished by a commitment to evangelical service, Franciscan fraternity, priestly formation, and the promotion of justice and human dignity.
The Apostolic Nunciature in Chad has invited the faithful to pray for Bishop-elect Jean Miguina as he prepares to begin his episcopal ministry. The Capuchin family throughout Africa and around the world joins the universal Church in giving thanks to God for this appointment and entrusts him to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Francis of Assisi.