The Vatican has again turned its gaze towards Nigeria’s growing clerical influence, as Pope Leo approved the appointment of Monsignor Anthony Onyemuche Ekpo as Assessor for General Affairs in the Secretariat of State.
The latest elevation, confirmed on Wednesday, marks a significant milestone for the Umuahia-born priest, who until now served as undersecretary at the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
Ekpo, born in Umudike on 24 September 1981 and ordained in July 2011, has steadily built a reputation within the Church’s central administration. Armed with degrees in systematic theology and canon law, he joined the Holy See in 2016 and rose through the ranks before his 2023 appointment as undersecretary.
His new position places him directly under the Substitute for General Affairs, making him the third-most senior official in the section responsible for the Church’s administrative nerve centre. He will help steer the Vatican’s day-to-day coordination, from curial activities and personnel matters to the publication of official documents and diplomatic engagements. The office also oversees the Fisherman’s Ring and supports papal representatives across the world.
This appointment follows another high-profile recognition earlier in the month, when Pope Leo named Fr Edward Daleng of Plateau State as Vice Regent of the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household — a role central to managing the Pope’s non-liturgical schedule.
