The Vatican has appointed Matthew Hassan Kukah as a member of the Council of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
The announcement, conveyed by Pope Leo IV and signed by the Vatican Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, places the Nigerian cleric among top-ranking church leaders across the world.
Kukah, who will serve a five-year term, joins a council made up of cardinals, archbishops and bishops tasked with addressing global issues such as human rights, migration, environment and social ethics.
Among other members are Walter McElroy, Matteo Zuppi and Conrad Krajewski.
In a statement, The Kukah Centre congratulated its founder, describing the appointment as a recognition of his contributions to peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue.
The centre noted that Kukah had previously served on the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue under Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.
He also represented the Vatican on the advisory board of KAICIID during the papacy of Pope Francis.
The statement added that Kukah had earlier been appointed to the same dicastery in 2022 following its reconstitution, “further affirming the confidence of the Holy See in his leadership and scholarship.”
Also appointed is Emmanuel Okechukwu, who will serve alongside other clergy and lay experts.
Reacting, Kukah expressed gratitude to the Pope, describing the appointment as “a humbling call to serve.”
He said, “The thematic focus of the dicastery aligns closely with my pastoral and intellectual commitments, especially in advancing ethical leadership and addressing moral challenges in today’s world.”
Observers say the development underscores Kukah’s growing influence in global conversations on governance, human dignity and social justice.