Cardinal Paulos Tzadua, Archbishop emeritus of Addis Abeba , was born on 25 August 1921 in Addifini, eparchy of Asmara. He did his ecclesiastical studies at the seminary of Cheren.

He was ordained a priest on 12 March 1944 and was assistant pastor of the Cathedral of Asmara and director of its parochial school. Two years later, he was sent on mission to Guraghè where he stayed for three years.

Upon returning to Eritrea, he taught english at the minor seminary and continued his studies and obtained in 1953 a diploma from the Italian ‘liceo Ferdinando Martini’ of Asmara. Having won a scholarship from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, in 1953 he went to Milan to study political and social sciences. Here he earned a doctorate in law.

Having returned to his country, he served as a secretary of Mgsr. Asrate Miriam Yemmeru in the see of Asmara and of Addis Abeba. Elected secretary general of the episcopal conference, he dedicated himself to an intense pastoral service in favor of university students. He was also one of the two observers of the Holy See at the Session of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches held in Eritrea.

On 1 March 1973 he elected titular Bishop of Abila in Palaestina and named Auxiliary Bishop of Addis Abeba. He received episcopal ordination on 20 May 1973. About two years later (until 1999), he was elected currently president of the Ethiopian Episcopal Conference.

On 24 February 1977 he was named Archbishop of Addis Abeba where he established a diocesan council for the laity.

President delegate to the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops (1994).

Archbishop emeritus on 11 September 1998.

Created and proclaimed Cardinal by John Paul II in the consistory of 25 April 1985. Titular church, Most Holy Name of Mary (via Latina).

Cardinal Paulos Tzadua died on 11 December 2003.