Key Points
- Pope Leo XIV named Edward Daniang Daleng to the new post. He will oversee papal audiences and liturgies in Rome.
- Daniang is an Augustinian who worked in Rome for many years. He served as procurator general and managed Vatican relations.
- He first met the future pope during a 2001 visit to Nigeria. Their long friendship helped shape this Vatican appointment.
Pope Leo XIV (Robert Prevost) has named Edward Daniang Daleng vice regent of the Prefecture of the Papal Household. The role oversees papal audiences, liturgies and ceremonies in Rome and Italy.
Father Edward Daniang Daleng OSA is a Nigerian Augustinian priest born in Plateau State. More on the pontiff appears in a related Pope Leo XIV profile piece.
Daniang joined the Augustinians in 2001 and took solemn vows in 2004. He earned a doctorate in moral theology from the Pontifical Alphonsian Academy.
Daniang served as procurator general and handled the order’s work with the Holy See. He managed official relations and represented the order before Vatican offices.
What the role involves
The Prefecture organises papal audiences, private retreats and major liturgies. It also plans visits by the pope within Rome and Italy.
Daniang first met Prevost in 2001 during the future pope’s Nigeria visit. Their friendship deepened after Daniang moved to Rome in 2002.
Friendship and background
Daniang praised Prevost’s humility and his close ties to Africa. “That is how he was, how he is,” he said.
The appointment gives a Nigerian priest a senior Vatican role. It also signals continuity in the pontiff’s ties to Africa and the order.
He completed a doctorate in moral theology at the Pontifical Alphonsian Academy. Related coverage appears in the actor meets Pope Leo XIV article.
As procurator general Daniang handled legal and administrative matters for his order. That work included formal filings and long negotiations with Vatican departments.
In interviews Daniang has highlighted pastoral care for vulnerable patients. His doctoral research looked at dignity and treatment for terminally ill patients.
Colleagues in the Augustinian order welcomed the appointment and praised his calm leadership. They said he brings experience of Rome and steady pastoral judgment to the role.
Officials say Daniang will begin work at the Prefecture in the coming weeks. He will join a team that manages daily audiences and formal ceremonies. The Vatican confirms the appointment in an official notice to clergy and media.
Observers say the move underscores the pope’s trust in his Order. It also reflects the pontiff’s long personal ties to Nigeria and Africa.
