Pope Leo Appoints Nigerian Priest As Assessor for General Affairs In the Vatican Secretariat Of State
Nigeria’s growing imprint on the global Catholic stage continues to deepen, as young, highly trained clergy increasingly take on key roles in shaping policy and administration at the heart of the Vatican.
The latest appointment underscores Rome’s confidence in African leadership within the universal Church.
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Nigerian priest Father Anthony Onyemuche Ekpo as the new assessor for general affairs at the Vatican’s Secretariat of State.
The announcement was made on Wednesday.
Father Ekpo, 44, takes over from Father Roberto Campisi, who in September became the Holy See’s permanent observer to UNESCO.
In his new position, Ekpo will supervise the activities of Catholic international organisations associated with the Vatican—a role considered central to the Church’s global diplomatic and administrative coordination.
Born in Umuahia, Father Ekpo began his service in the Holy See in 2016, spending six years working in the Section for General Affairs.
In 2023, he was appointed undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development by Pope Francis, assisting Cardinal Michael Czerny in advancing the Church’s work on justice, peace, and human dignity.
Speaking through Vatican News, Ekpo expressed heartfelt thanks to his colleagues for their “friendship and shared work,” and prayed for the grace to carry out his new assignment “with joy, passion, and dedication.”
He added that he looks forward to collaborating with his new team to further the Church’s mission.
Ordained in 2011 for the Diocese of Umuahia, Ekpo holds doctorates in systematic theology and canon law from Australian Catholic University and the Pontifical Gregorian University respectively.
He is fluent in English, Italian, French, and Igbo.
This appointment comes just weeks after Pope Leo also named another Nigerian cleric, Father Edward Daniang Daleng, as vice regent of the Papal Household, the second-highest office responsible for coordinating papal audiences.
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