Vatican Announces Key Appointment to Secretariat of State
VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV has appointed Monsignor Anthony Onyemuche Ekpo, a Nigerian-born theologian and canonist, as the new Assessor for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State. The appointment, a significant elevation for an African prelate within the Roman Curia, was announced on November 19, 2025. Monsignor Ekpo, 44, will assume a pivotal role at the heart of the Church's central administration.
The Role of the Assessor for General Affairs
The Assessor for General Affairs holds a crucial position within the Vatican's Secretariat of State, serving as the third-highest-ranking official in the Section for General Affairs, after the Secretary of State and the Substitute. This role involves assisting in the coordination of the Pope's daily affairs and overseeing internal matters that support the governance of the universal Church. Key responsibilities include:
- Coordinating curial activities and appointments
- Overseeing the publication of official documents
- Handling diplomatic concerns
- Maintaining custody of the papal seal and the Fisherman's Ring
- Supporting papal representatives (nuncios) worldwide in matters related to local churches
The Secretariat of State is the department of the Roman Curia that collaborates most directly with the Pope in carrying out his supreme mission, functioning as the central engine behind the Holy See's political and diplomatic initiatives.
Monsignor Ekpo's Distinguished Background
Born in Umudike, Nigeria, in 1981, Monsignor Ekpo was ordained a priest on July 30, 2011, for the Diocese of Umuahia. His academic credentials include a Doctorate in Systematic Theology from the Australian Catholic University (2013) and a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Gregorian University (2021). He is fluent in Igbo, English, Italian, and French.
Prior to this appointment, Monsignor Ekpo had already served the Holy See in various capacities. He worked in the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State for nearly six years, from 2016 to 2023. In April 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 and humanitarian concerns.
Significance for African Representation
Monsignor Ekpo's appointment is seen as a significant step in the increasing recognition of Africa's vital role in the global Church. It follows closely on the heels of other appointments of Nigerian clergy by Pope Leo XIV, underscoring what observers describe as the Holy Father's increased confidence in African clergy serving in global Church leadership. This trend reflects a broader effort to ensure regional representation and inclusivity within the Roman Curia, particularly from continents experiencing rapid Church growth.
5 Comments
Mariposa
Concerned about the rapid pace of change. Tradition holds value too, you know.
BuggaBoom
It's great to see more African representation in the Curia, which is long overdue. However, one wonders if such rapid changes might destabilize long-standing internal structures and processes.
paracelsus
While the focus on inclusivity from emerging Church regions is commendable and necessary for the Church's future, we must ensure these appointments are perceived as genuinely merit-based rather than merely symbolic gestures to appease growing demographics.
anubis
Monsignor Ekpo's impressive academic and service background is undeniable. Still, managing the complexities of the Secretariat of State requires a unique blend of diplomacy and curial experience that even a brilliant mind needs time to fully master.
paracelsus
His fluency in multiple languages and diverse background will certainly bring fresh perspectives to the Vatican. Yet, the immense pressure of this role, particularly for someone from a different cultural context, could present significant personal and professional challenges.