Nikolaus Messmer Explained

Bishop Nikolaus Messmer, S.J. (19 December 1954 − 18 July 2016) was a Roman Catholic prelate who served as the titular bishop of Carmeiano and the first Apostolic Administrator of the Apostolic Administration of Kyrgyzstan from 2006 until his death in 2016.^[1]

History

Bishop Messmer was born in Karaganda, Kazakh SSR in a family of German descent. At a young age he joined the Society of Jesus and was ordained as priest on 28 May 1989 and he was sent to serve in Kyrgyzstan.^[1] He was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the new elevated Apostolic Administration of Kyrgyzstan by Pope Benedict XVI on 18 March 2006.^{[2] [3]}

Death

Messmer died on 18 July 2016 in Bishkek at the age of 61.

Notes and References

1. News: Kyrgyzstan's only Catholic bishop dies . Philippa Hitchen . . 18 July 2016 . 18 July 2016.
2. Web site: Bishop Nikolaus Messmer, S.J. . Catholic Hierarchy . 18 July 2016.
3. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/kyrg0.htm Apostolic Administration of Kyrgyzstan