Bafoussam: Bishop Gabriel Simo is dead ⁰

The emeritus Bishop of Bafoussam, Bishop Gabriel Simo has passed away in the early hours of Friday the 24^th of November, 2017 following a protracted illness at the Regional Hospital in Bafoussam.

Paralyzed by a disease for many years, the auxiliary bishop of Bafoussam Bishop Simo Gabriel reportedly resigned his post on September 14, 2013. In accordance with Canon 411 and 401 § 1 of the Code of Canon Law, the Holy Father Pope Francis accepted the renunciation of the position of auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Bafoussam presented by Bishop Gabriel Simo. At this time the prelate was not only ill, but had also reached the age limit.

Born March 15, 1937 in Bapa and ordained into the priesthood on March 27, 1966, Bishop Gabriel Simo was installed Auxiliary Bishop of Douala on April 2, 1987 at the same time as Bishop Simon Victor Tonyé Bakot. They were both appointed auxiliary bishops on the 21^st of February 1987. While Bishop Tonyé Bakot was later named Bishop of Edéa in 1993, Bishop Gabriel Simo was retained Auxiliary Bishop and appointed to Bafoussam in 1994-the functions he held until his appointment waiver in 2013. He celebrated a solemn Mass of Thanksgiving for his 50 years in the priesthood on Thursday, September 29, 2016.

By Sama Ernest with files from CIN