Pope Leo XIV appoints Nigerian as Vice-Regent of Vatican household
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Nigerian priest, Rev. Fr. Edward Daleng of the Augustinian Order, as Vice-Regent of the Prefecture of the Papal Household, one of the Vatican’s oldest and most prestigious offices.
The Prefecture manages the pope’s official schedule, audiences, and ceremonies. In his new role, Daleng will assist Archbishop Leonardo Sapienza in coordinating papal meetings with world leaders, diplomats, and clergy, as well as overseeing papal ceremonies and daily logistics within the Vatican.
Daleng, born in Plateau State in 1977 and ordained in 2005, holds a doctorate in moral theology from the Alphonsian Academy in Rome. He previously served as General Counsellor and Procurator General of the Augustinians, representing the Order before the Holy See.
His appointment reflects the Vatican’s growing recognition of African clergy and comes after Pope Leo’s multiple visits to Nigeria, where Daleng noted the pontiff’s “deep connection to Africa.”
