The Vatican has announced another major appointment involving a Nigerian cleric, marking a proud moment for the Catholic community in Nigeria. Pope Leo has appointed Monsignor Anthony Onyemuche Ekpo as the new Assessor for General Affairs in the Vatican Secretariat of State — one of the most strategic administrative arms of the Catholic Church.

Before this elevation, Msgr. Ekpo served as Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, where he worked on global Church initiatives connected to social justice, human welfare, and development.

A priest of Umuahia Diocese, Ekpo was born in Umudike on September 24, 1981, and ordained on July 30, 2011. His academic background includes advanced degrees in systematic theology and canon law, and he began his service at the Holy See in 2016. His steady rise in the Vatican hierarchy highlights both his expertise and the growing presence of Nigerians in global Church leadership.

This appointment comes shortly after another Nigerian, Fr. Edward Daleng from Plateau State, was named Vice Regent of the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household—an office that coordinates the Pope’s daily, non-liturgical engagements. It’s a rare and remarkable month for the Nigerian Church as two of its priests receive prominent international roles.

In his new position as Assessor, Msgr. Ekpo now becomes the third-highest-ranking official in the Section for General Affairs. He will assist the Substitute for General Affairs in managing the Church’s daily operations, handling sensitive curial tasks, overseeing appointments, supervising official Vatican documents, and supporting global papal representatives (nuncios). His office also has responsibilities connected to the iconic papal seal and the Fisherman’s Ring.

This development has been received with joy among Nigerian Catholics, who see it as a sign of growing recognition of the nation’s contributions to the Catholic faith worldwide.