In the Catholic Church — the Vatican — a select group of Nigerian clerics rose to positions of extraordinary influence under the papacy of Pope Francis. Appointed into key roles within the Roman Curia and the broader structures of the Church, these people not only represented Africa on the world stage but also shaped important aspects of Church life during his era.
Here are Nigerians who became part of Pope Francis’s inner circle at the Vatican, reports BusinessDay.
Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu
Nwachukwu, 64, from Abia state is a seasoned diplomat and a respected voice in international relations, he served as the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva. Prior to that, he was Apostolic Nuncio to several countries, including Nicaragua. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him as Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization — a powerful office responsible for missionary work and one of the central pillars of the Church’s outreach. Nwachukwu’s appointment marked a significant recognition of his theological depth and diplomatic skill.
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, 72, of the Diocese of Sokoto, widely admired both within Nigeria and internationally, has long been known for his intellectual rigor, advocacy for social justice, and his sharp political insight. Though he primarily serves in Nigeria, his influence at the Vatican has been undeniable. In 2020 Bishop Kukah was called upon for major initiatives by Pope Francis for the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and he has served on key panels, including roles tied to global peacebuilding and interreligious dialogue.
Bishop Emmanuel Badejo
Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, 63, of the Diocese of Oyo has been a dynamic presence in the Church’s communications apostolate. A specialist in media and pastoral communication, Bishop Badejo has played an active role in Vatican communications strategy, including serving as a member of the Dicastery for Communication. His commitment to evangelization through modern media made him an important figure in the Vatican’s efforts to stay connected with the global Catholic population.
Fr. Agbonkhianmeghe E. Orobator, Ph.D.
A Jesuit priest with an international reputation, Fr. Agbon Orobator has been a leading voice on theological and ethical issues in Africa and beyond. Formerly the President of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar, Fr. Orobator was appointed by Pope Francis as the Dean of the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University in California. His theological acumen, particularly in areas of social justice and liberation theology, has echoed many of the major themes of Pope Francis’s pontificate. In Vatican circles, he is regarded as a key intellectual.
Cardinal Francis Arinze
Cardinal Arinze, 92, was elevated to the College of Cardinals long before Pope Francis’s time — under Pope John Paul II. He has been a cardinal since 1985 and the Cardinal Bishop of Velletri- Segni since 2005. Arinze was one of the principal advisors to Pope John Paul II and was considered as a likely Pope candidate at the papal conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI in 2005. A former Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments from 2002 to 2008, Cardinal Arinze has continued to be a revered voice in theological and doctrinal discussions throughout Pope Francis’s tenure. His counsel and experience have remained invaluable in a time of great change and challenge for the global Church.
