The Vatican has named Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, as a member of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development.
The appointment was formally communicated on Tuesday in a letter from Pope Leo XIV, issued through the Secretariat of State and signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The move highlights Kukah’s continued relevance within the Church’s global leadership structure.
Kukah is set to serve a five-year term, during which he will contribute to policy direction, advisory discussions, and strategic initiatives addressing humanitarian and development challenges worldwide.
The Dicastery for Integral Human Development plays a central role in promoting Catholic social teaching, focusing on issues such as environmental protection, human rights, migration, economic justice, and support for vulnerable populations across the globe.
In his new role, Kukah will work alongside senior Church leaders from different regions, including Robert Walter McElroy, Archbishop of Washington; Matteo Zuppi of Bologna; Konrad Krajewski; and Fulgence Muteba Mugalu of Lubumbashi.
Kukah was first appointed to the council in 2022 following its restructuring by Pope Francis. His reappointment reflects sustained confidence in his contributions to interfaith dialogue, governance, and advocacy for justice and peace.
The Dicastery engages governments, international organisations, and civil society groups to address pressing global issues such as climate change, forced migration, and economic inequality, while promoting human dignity and sustainable development.
Before this role, Kukah served on the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, having been appointed in 1996 by Pope John Paul II and reappointed in 2005 by Pope Benedict XVI. During his tenure, he participated in major interfaith engagements and diplomatic missions, including efforts to strengthen ties between the Vatican and other nations.
He also served on the advisory board of KAICIID from 2018 to 2025, contributing to initiatives promoting peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance.
Additionally, the council announced the appointment of Emmanuel Okechukwu to work alongside clergy, religious members, and lay experts within the Dicastery.
Reacting to his reappointment, Kukah expressed appreciation, describing himself as “deeply humbled” by the trust placed in him. He noted that the Dicastery’s mission aligns with his long-standing commitment to advancing justice, human dignity, and addressing the challenges posed by inequality and human greed.
🚨BREAKING: Watch The Video Clip Here ➤
