 Pope Benedict XVI elevated Mazombwe to the status of Cardinal-Priest of "Santa Emerenziana a Tor Fiorenza" at a consistory on 20 November 2010.He held several senior positions in the local and regional church, such as Zambia Episcopal Conference president (1972–1975; 1988–1990; 1999–2002), and as Chairman of the regional conferences under Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (A.M.E.C.E.A.