Rev. Dr. Gobezayehu Getachew Yilma

Rev. Dr. Gobezayehu Getachew Yilma studied Agriculture at Jima University of Agriculture before he joined the Capuchin Franciscan Institute in Addis Ababa, where he studied philosophy and theology. He holds a Diploma in Philosophy and BA degree in Theology from Urbaniana Pontifical University, Rome where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.

He was ordained as a priest in 2005. He also received a Master’s in Development Studies from the Kimmage Development Studies Institute in Dublin and STL/Licentiate in Divinity at the Pontifical University of Maynooth, Ireland.

He completed his PhD at the same University with a dissertation entitled “John Paul II and Amartya Sen: Possible Contributors to a Renewed Model of Human Development for Ethiopia.” The dissertation is focused on An Ethical Evaluation of the Developmental State Paradigm based on the Christian anthropology of John Paul II in his social teaching and the Capability Approach of Amartya Sen.

Since 2016, Rev. Dr. Gobezayehu has held two positions in Ethiopia: Vicar General of the Diocese of Meki and Executive Director of the Diocesan Caritas (Meki Catholic Secretariat), a partner of Catholic Relief Services. As a Vicar General, he oversees the priests, property, finance, and personnel of the diocese. As a Director of Caritas, he plans, directs, coordinates, and supervises social and development projects and leads and works with 960 professional staff who are serving 1.4 million direct beneficiaries of Caritas Projects.

These projects help the most vulnerable by delivering quality education; providing health facilities such as health centers, rural clinics, and hospitals; providing potable water and sanitation facilities; empowering young girls and vulnerable women in terms of strengthening their socio-economic capabilities to reach for their potential; and implementing food security programs for the rural poor community.