By The Partner Newspaper

In a move that underscores the growing influence and shifting dynamics of the global Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed the Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of Lagos, as a Member of the prestigious Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization. The appointment, specific to the Section for First Evangelization and the New Particular Churches, marks a historic milestone for the Catholic Church in Nigeria and the wider West African region.

For centuries, the Church in West Africa was primarily a mission territory, relying heavily on foreign priests and religious congregations to plant the seeds of the faith. The elevation of Archbishop Martins to this vital Vatican department signals a profound reversal of roles. A Church that once received missionaries now sends one of its most experienced shepherds to help shape the global mission of evangelization in the twenty-first century.

Church analysts note that Martins’ deep pastoral experience forged within the complex, fast-paced realities of Lagos, Africa’s largest megacity will provide invaluable, ground-level insights to the Holy See. Managing the rapid growth, urban challenges, and diverse socio-economic landscape of Lagos has equipped the Archbishop with a unique perspective on modern missionary outreach.

Despite his new global responsibilities, Archbishop Martins will remain based in Nigeria. He will continue his full-time governance of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos while traveling to Rome as required to contribute to the Dicastery’s plenary assemblies, consultations, and major decision-making processes.  

The Dicastery for Evangelization, central to the administrative structure of the Holy See, is tasked with driving the global spread of the Gospel and supporting the growth of young local Churches worldwide. With the inclusion of Archbishop Martins, West Africa gains a powerful, seasoned voice in determining the strategic direction of the universal Church’s missionary mandate.