Kukah And Other Nigerians Appointed To Key Positions By Pope Francis

Under Pope Francis, several Nigerians were appointed to powerful positions at the Vatican, playing crucial roles in diplomacy, communications, and Church leadership.

Several Nigerian clerics were given important positions in the Vatican during the leadership of the late Pope Francis according to facts that have just emerged.

These individuals not only represented Africa but also played key roles in shaping the global activities of the Catholic Church.

Among them is Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, aged 64, from Abia State. He has had a long diplomatic career, serving as the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and other bodies in Geneva. Before that, he worked as Apostolic Nuncio in different countries, including Nicaragua. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him as the Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, one of the most powerful departments in the Vatican. His new role highlights his deep knowledge of theology and outstanding diplomatic skills.

Another notable figure is Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, 72, from the Diocese of Sokoto. Well respected for his strong intellect and commitment to social justice, Bishop Kukah’s influence extended beyond Nigeria. In 2020, Pope Francis selected him for major projects under the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. He also contributed to key Vatican initiatives in peacebuilding and religious dialogue.

Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, 63, from the Diocese of Oyo, made a strong impact in the area of Church communications. Known for his expertise in media and pastoral work, Bishop Badejo helped in shaping the Vatican’s communication strategies. He was also a member of the Dicastery for Communication, working to keep the global Catholic community engaged through modern media channels.

Fr. Agbonkhianmeghe E. Orobator, a Jesuit priest with a doctorate, also rose to prominence. With a strong voice on African theology and ethics, he previously led the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar. Pope Francis later appointed him as the Dean of the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University in California. His focus on social justice and liberation theology echoed many of Pope Francis’s own key messages.

Cardinal Francis Arinze, now 92, had already been a major figure in the Church before Pope Francis’s time. Made a cardinal in 1985 under Pope John Paul II, Cardinal Arinze served as the Cardinal Bishop of Velletri-Segni from 2005. He was a top advisor to Pope John Paul II and was once seen as a possible candidate for the papacy during the 2005 conclave. From 2002 to 2008, he was the Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Even during Pope Francis’s leadership, Cardinal Arinze remained a highly respected and guiding voice on matters of doctrine and theology.
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