Pope Leo Appoints Another Nigerian Priest to Key Vatican Post

Pope Leo has appointed Monsignor Anthony Onyemuche Ekpo as Assessor for General Affairs in the Vatican Secretariat of State, marking another significant milestone for Nigerian clergy in the Holy See. Before this appointment, Msgr Ekpo served as undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

A priest of the Umuahia Diocese, Msgr Ekpo was born in Umudike on 24 September 1981 and ordained on 30 July 2011. He holds degrees in systematic theology and canon law and joined the Holy See on 5 September 2016 as an official in the Section for General Affairs, rising to undersecretary of the Dicastery in April 2023.

This is the second major Vatican appointment for a Nigerian this month, following the naming of Fr Edward Daleng of Plateau State as Vice Regent of the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, a role that involves coordinating the Pope’s non-liturgical engagements.

As Assessor, Msgr Ekpo becomes the third-highest-ranking official in the Section for General Affairs, after the Secretary of State and the Substitute for General Affairs. He will support the Substitute in managing the daily operations of the Church, including curial activities, appointments, publication of official documents, diplomatic matters, and oversight of the papal seal and Fisherman’s Ring. The section also provides guidance to nuncios worldwide on matters concerning local churches.