HIS EMINENCE STEPHEN CARDINAL BRISLIN
Metropolitan Archbishop of Johannesburg
QUICK FACTS
Cardinal Brislin’s ministry spans more than four decades of faithful service. Key moments include his ordination as a priest in 1983, episcopal consecration in 2007, and leadership as Archbishop of both Cape Town and Johannesburg. Created Cardinal in 2023, he has also taken on responsibilities in the universal Church, most recently joining the Dicastery for the Clergy in 2025. Together, these milestones trace the path of a shepherd called to guide both the local and wider Catholic community.
• 24 September 1956
Birth
Born in Welkom, Free State.
• 2013 – 2019
SACBC President
Served as President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
• 28 August 2025
Dicastery Appointment
Appointed by Pope Leo XIV as a member of the Dicastery for the Clergy; announced by the Vatican Press Office.
• 19 November 1983
Ordained Priest
Ordained after studies at St John Vianney Seminary (Pretoria) and the Missionary Institute, London.
• 30 September 2023
Created Cardinal
Elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope Francis, assigned the titular church of Santa Maria Domenica Mazzarello.
• 7 January 2007
Bishop of Kroonstad
Consecrated and installed as Bishop of Kroonstad.
• 28 October 2024
Appointed to Johannesburg
Named Metropolitan Archbishop of Johannesburg.
• 18 January 2010
Archbishop of Cape Town
Installed as Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Town.
• 25 January 2025
Installed Archbishop of Johannesburg
Installation Mass celebrated at St Benedict’s College; later took possession of Christ the King Cathedral.
BIOGRAPHY
Stephen Brislin was born on 24 September 1956 in Welkom, Free State. He completed his schooling at St Agnes’ Convent and the Christian Brothers’ College in Welkom before entering St John Vianney Seminary in Pretoria to study philosophy. He later undertook theological studies at the Missionary Institute in London.
On 19 November 1983, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Kroonstad. After more than twenty years of pastoral ministry, he was appointed Bishop of Kroonstad by Pope Benedict XVI on 17 October 2006 and consecrated on 28 January 2007. In December 2009 he was named Archbishop of Cape Town, and he was formally installed on 7 February 2010.
Between 2013 and 2019, Archbishop Brislin served as President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), guiding the Church nationally through a time of social and ecclesial change. On 30 September 2023, Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals, assigning him the titular church of Santa Maria Domenica Mazzarello in Rome.
On 28 October 2024, the Vatican announced his transfer to Johannesburg as Metropolitan Archbishop, succeeding Archbishop Buti Joseph Tlhagale. He was installed on 25 January 2025 at a solemn Mass at St Benedict’s College, after which he formally took possession of Christ the King Cathedral.
Most recently, on 28 August 2025, the Vatican Press Office announced that Pope Leo had appointed Cardinal Brislin to the Dicastery for the Clergy, extending his responsibilities to the universal Church. His episcopal motto, Veritas in Caritate — “Truth in Love” (Eph 4:15) — continues to shape his ministry, uniting conviction with compassion in the service of God’s people.
COAT OF ARMS
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The shield is red (gules), a traditional cardinal’s colour, which also evokes the readiness to bear witness and the boldness of faith.
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Over the red shield is a silver (argent) pall — in ecclesiastical heraldry, a pall is the “Y”-shaped band that recalls the Cross, and also resembles the pallium, a sign of metropolitan archbishops.
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Red Basotho hat (mokorotlo) placed in the “honour point” (top centre) — this refers to Brislin’s roots in the Free State and the Basotho people.
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In the dexter (right) flank of the shield is a five-pointed star (mullet) — this is interpreted as referencing the Southern Cross (Crux), which has significance for the Southern Hemisphere.
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In the sinister (left) flank is an anchor — a classic symbol of hope, often tied to maritime tradition, and especially apt since Cape Town is a coastal city and gateway to the seas.
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Surrounding / behind the shield are metropolitan and cardinal insignia:
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A patriarchal cross (double cross) and pallium (or representation thereof) — marking his role as metropolitan archbishop.
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The scarlet galero (hat with tassels), with the fifteen tassels per side, signifying his rank as cardinal.
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The motto “Veritas in Caritate” (“Truth in Love”) appears beneath the shield, and is an integral part of his heraldic identity.
PASTORAL PRIORITIES
Cardinal Brislin has set out clear priorities for his ministry in Johannesburg. Drawing on the Jubilee theme of being “Pilgrims of Hope”, he calls the faithful to live their hope through concrete works of charity. He urges parishes to heal hidden divisions and foster unity and reconciliation, reminding leaders of their duty to build inclusive communities. At the heart of his vision are the three pillars of parish life — Kerygma, Liturgia, and Caritas — proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments, and living out charity. In continuity with the Synod, he also stresses the importance of walking together in service and listening to the poor as essential marks of a missionary Church.
PILGRIMS OF HOPE
In the Jubilee spirit, the Archbishop calls the local Church to active, outward‑looking hope expressed in concrete charity.
UNITY & RECONCILIATION
He names hidden social fractures and asks leaders and laity to heal rifts within parishes and society.
KERYGMA • LITURGIA • CARITAS
Proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the Sacraments, and live charity — three interdependent marks of parish life.
SYNODALITY & SERVICE
Walking together, listening, and serving the poor remain hallmarks of his leadership.
DOCUMENTS & MEDIA
This section brings together key texts and resources that highlight Cardinal Brislin’s ministry and vision. From homilies and anniversary messages to interviews and official profiles, these documents offer deeper insight into his leadership in Johannesburg and his role in the wider Church.
