The Vatican announced a significant appointment on Monday for the Prefecture of the Papal Household. His Holiness Pope Leo XIV named Fr. Edward Daleng as the new Vice Regent of this central office.
A Key Role in the Pontificate
As the new Vice Regent, Fr. Daleng will work closely with Archbishop Leonardo Sapienza, who serves as the Regent. Their combined duties involve the meticulous organization of the Pope’s schedule.
This includes arranging private and public audiences. It covers meetings with church leaders, heads of state, and foreign diplomats.
Fr. Daleng will also assist in managing official visits and papal ceremonies. Further, he will help oversee the papal apartments’ operation and the complex logistics surrounding Pope Leo’s daily life.
The Catholic Constitution, Praedicate Evangelium, states the Prefecture must have a Prefect and a Regent, supported by several officials.
The role of Vice Regent is not formally recognized in the Constitution. However, creating this position aims to provide a gradual introduction to the intricate workings of the Vatican household machinery.
Background of the Appointee
Fr. Edward Daleng belongs to the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.). He previously served as the General Counsellor and Procurator General of his Order.
He was born on April 4, 1977, in Yitla’ar, a community located in Plateau State, Nigeria. Fr. Daleng has an impressive professional background. He took his first vows in the Augustinian Order on November 9, 2001.
Three years later, he made his solemn vows. Following his ordination on September 10, 2005, he pursued further education. He earned a Doctorate in Moral Theology from the Alphonsian Academy in 2012.
A Special Connection to Africa
Fr. Daleng offered insights into the supreme pontiff’s bond with the continent shortly after Pope Leo’s election. This happened during an interview with Vatican media.
“He has Africa in his heart,” Daleng revealed. He noted Pope Leo visited the Order’s African missions numerous times while serving as an Augustinian leader. “He has come to my country, Nigeria, on at least ten occasions,” Daleng specified. He cited a significant 2016 visit for an important intermediate General Chapter ceremony.
Pope Leo had visited Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, as part of his duties within the Augustinian Order. He engaged with members of his order and the wider Catholic community.
Despite these strong ties, Pope Leo has not yet visited any African country, including Nigeria, since his inauguration as Pope on May 18, 2025.
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