In a significant development for the Nigerian Catholic community, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Anthony Onyemuche Ekpo to a senior position within the Vatican's central administration. The 44-year-old priest from Umuahia now serves as assessor for general affairs at the Secretariat of State, placing him at the heart of the Holy See's daily operations.
A Rising Star in Vatican Administration
Father Ekpo's new role positions him within the Secretariat's first section, which handles the day-to-day functioning of the papal office and oversees a wide range of global Church activities. He takes over from Father Roberto Campisi, who became the Holy See's permanent observer to UNESCO in September 2025.
The appointment represents a significant milestone in Father Ekpo's ecclesiastical career, marking him as one of the senior lay clerics in Rome. His responsibilities will include helping coordinate the work of Catholic international organizations linked to the Holy See, a crucial function in the Vatican's global operations.
Extensive Roman Experience and Academic Excellence
Father Ekpo is no stranger to Vatican operations, having spent much of the past decade serving in Rome. He first joined the Vatican's Section for General Affairs in 2016 and worked there for six years, gaining valuable experience in the workings of the Curia. This early exposure prepared him for more senior responsibilities within the Church's administrative structure.
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, where he assisted Cardinal Michael Czerny in coordinating the dicastery's work on global justice, humanitarian concerns and the Church's social mission.
The Nigerian priest brings impressive academic credentials to his new position:
- Doctorate in systematic theology from Australian Catholic University (2013)
- Doctorate in canon law from Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (2021)
- Fluency in English, Italian, French, and his native Igbo language
African Clergy Gaining Prominence in Vatican
Father Ekpo's appointment comes during a period of increased Vatican engagement with African clergy. Earlier in November 2025, Pope Leo named another Nigerian priest, Father Edward Daniang Daleng, as vice regent of the Papal Household.
This series of appointments reflects the rising visibility of clergy from Africa in key administrative roles within the Holy See, signaling a broader recognition of the growing importance of the African Catholic community worldwide.
In response to his appointment, Father Ekpo expressed gratitude to his colleagues, acknowledging their friendship and shared commitment over the years. He prayed for the grace to approach his new assignment with what he described as "joy, passion and dedication" and emphasized his aim to collaborate with superiors and employees to advance the mission of the Church.
The Umuahia-born priest was ordained in 2011 for the Diocese of Umuahia and has since built an impressive career that bridges academic excellence with practical administrative experience. His multilingual abilities and deep understanding of both systematic theology and canon law position him uniquely for his new role at the center of Catholic Church governance.
