Archbishop Marcel Utembi Tapa

Marcel Utembi Tapa was born on January 7, 1959, in Luma, in the Diocese of Mahagi-Nioka. He attended primary school in Luma and secondary school at the Minor Seminary in Vida. He pursued philosophy studies at the "St. Augustin" Philosophy Centre in the Archdiocese of Kisangani (1977–1980) and theology studies at the Theology Centre in the Diocese of Bunia (1980–1984). He was ordained a priest on June 29, 1984, in Mahagi and is incardinated in the Diocese of Mahagi-Nioka. Following his ordination, he held the following positions: teacher and director of the Minor Seminary in Vida (1984–1989); parish priest of Angumu (1989–1990); Licentiate in Canon Law at the Catholic Faculties of Kinshasa (1990–1993); spiritual animator for the clergy (1991–1994); diocesan chancellor (1994–1997); and Doctorate in Canon Law at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Canada (1997–1999). He has served as Vicar General of the diocese since 1999.