Legio Maria Pope Romanus Ongombe is Dead

Legio Maria Pope Romanus Ongombe has passed away.

Romanus, who was in charge of the church for a period of 10 years, died on Sunday night at his home in Godkweru village, Migori County. The church confirmed his passing but did not give details on the cause of his death.

Romanus took over the leadership of the controversial religion in 2010 from Pope Titus Otieno.

Romanus’ 10-year tenure was marked by vicious leadership wrangles that almost split the church into two but the rivalry ended in 2019 after a handshake with the self-proclaimed pope, Rafael Adika.

Adika had declared himself as the pope, claiming he was the one tasked with the responsibility of leading the church.

The Legio Maria church was founded in 1961 in Kenya by Lodvikus Melkio Ondetto, having separated from the main Roman Catholic church. The church was legally registered to operate in Kenya in 1966.

St. Mary Basilica Church in Migori, Kenya serves as the church’s headquarters and has over 500 priests, 120 bishops, and 20 cardinals. The religion is estimated to have about four million members.

The religion has spread to other African countries including Uganda, Tanzania, Congo, Zaire, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Nigeria.