Carlassare Christian

Christian Oswald Carlassare, M.C.C.I. (Schio, October 1, 1977), is an Italian Catholic bishop belonging to the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus. He currently serves as bishop of Bentiu (South Sudan), after serving as bishop of Rumbek (2021–2024).

Education:
He studied philosophy and theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University (2000–2003) and missiology at the Pontifical Urbaniana University (2003–2004). After his solemn profession in 2003, he was ordained a priest on September 4, 2004, in Verona.

Mission in South Sudan:
In 2005, he moved to South Sudan where he worked as pastor and vicar in Old Fangak and Jonglei (2006–2016). Since 2011, he has held key positions in formation and vocations for the Comboni Missionaries, eventually serving as vicar general of Malakal in June 2020.

Episcopal ministry:
Appointed bishop of Rumbek by Pope Francis on March 8, 2021, he survived an attack during the night of April 25–26, 2021, suffering leg injuries. After recovery, he was consecrated on March 25, 2022, by Cardinal Wako.
On July 3, 2024, he was appointed first bishop of the new Diocese of Bentiu, officially taking office on August 11, 2024. His mission invites people to build peace, unity, and hope among communities.

Publications:
Author of “Father Carlo’s Hut. A Comboni Among the Nuer” and collections on the Nuer language and culture.