- At Vatican Secretariat of State
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Nigerian-born Catholic priest, Father Anthony Onyemuche Ekpo, as the new assessor for general affairs of the Vatican Secretariat of State.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, marks another important milestone for the 44-year-old cleric, who now assumes one of the most strategic administrative positions within the Holy See.
Fr. Ekpo takes over from Father Roberto Campisi, who in September was named the Holy See’s permanent observer to UNESCO.
As assessor, the Nigerian priest will oversee the activities of Catholic international organisations linked to the Vatican—an influential responsibility at the heart of the Secretariat of State’s daily governance.
The appointment represents another strong vote of confidence from the Vatican, particularly as Ekpo previously served in the same Section for General Affairs between 2016 and 2023. His return to the section in a higher capacity underscores his expertise and steady rise within the Church’s central administration.
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. This role placed him at the forefront of the Catholic Church’s global humanitarian and development concerns. There, Ekpo worked closely with Cardinal Michael Czerny, contributing to initiatives touching on migration, social justice, and human welfare.
Reacting to his latest elevation, Fr. Ekpo expressed gratitude to his colleagues at the dicastery “for their friendship and shared work over these years”, adding that he prayed for the grace to serve the Secretariat of State with “joy, passion, and dedication”, according to Vatican News.
He further emphasised his intention to collaborate effectively with superiors and staff, noting that his goal is to help advance the Church’s mission through efficient service and faithful administration. His remarks reflect his characteristic humility and commitment to pastoral duty.
Ordained in 2011 for the Diocese of Umuahia, Ekpo quickly distinguished himself academically and administratively. He earned a doctorate in systematic theology from the Australian Catholic University in 2013 and later obtained a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, in 2021.
His fluency in English, Italian, French, and Igbo enhances his ability to serve in the Vatican, where multilingual communication is central to daily engagements and international collaboration.
Fr. Ekpo’s appointment adds to a growing list of Nigerians rising to senior Vatican offices. Earlier this month, Pope Leo named another Nigerian priest, Father Edward Daniang Daleng, as the new vice regent of the Papal Household.
With these appointments, Nigeria continues to secure a remarkable presence within the upper ranks of the Catholic Church’s global administration, further signaling the growing influence and recognition of African clergy in Rome.