The Vatican has appointed Edward Daleng, an Augustinian priest from Plateau State, as vice-regent of the Pontifical Household, a position comparable to a deputy chief of staff in the papal administration.
Daleng, who has been frequently seen accompanying Pope Leo XIV at official functions, now plays a central role in managing the pope’s non-liturgical and administrative responsibilities.
In his new capacity, he oversees the coordination of papal audiences, official visits and the general organisation of the papal household, placing him at the heart of the Vatican’s daily administrative activities linked to the pope’s public engagements.
A member of the Order of St Augustine (O.S.A), Daleng is among the most senior Nigerians to occupy such a high-level administrative position in the Vatican in recent years.
His appointment has attracted widespread attention among Catholics and Nigerians, with many expecting him to feature prominently alongside the pope during major Vatican events and international engagements.
