Pope Leo XIV has appointed two Nigerian Catholic clerics to key positions in the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization, in a move that further underscores Africa’s growing influence in the life and mission of the universal Church.
The appointments saw Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of Lagos, named a Member of the Dicastery, while Wenceslaus C. Madu, Vice-Chancellor of the Claretian University of Nigeria, was appointed a Consultor.
As a Consultor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Madu will provide expert guidance on evangelization and missionary initiatives, supporting the Vatican’s efforts to advance the Church’s global evangelization mission.
The appointments have been described as a significant recognition of the remarkable growth of the Catholic Church in Nigeria and the increasingly prominent role of Africa in shaping the future of the universal Church.
Reacting to the development, the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City extended warm congratulations to Archbishop Martins and Rev. Fr. Prof. Madu on their well-deserved appointments.
In a statement, the Archdiocese prayed that the Holy Spirit would grant both clerics wisdom, courage and abundant grace as they undertake their new responsibilities in the service of the Church and its mission of evangelization.
The appointments further highlight Nigeria’s expanding contribution to the leadership and missionary work of the Catholic Church at the global level, reflecting the country’s growing prominence within the universal Church.
