Pope Leo XIV has named Reverend Father Edward Daleng, a Nigerian Augustinian priest, as the new vice regent of the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household.
Gatekeepers News reports that Daleng’s appointment to one of the most significant offices in the Vatican, was officially announced on Monday.
The Prefecture of the Papal Household plays a crucial role in the Vatican’s administrative and ceremonial functions, coordinating the pope’s daily engagements, public appearances, and private audiences with heads of state, diplomats, and church dignitaries. It also manages official papal ceremonies and oversees the logistical operations of the pope’s residence.
In his new capacity, Father Daleng will assist Archbishop Leonardo Sapienza, who currently serves as regent of the prefecture. Together, they will ensure that all papal activities are carried out with order, dignity, and adherence to long-standing ecclesiastical traditions.
Although the office of vice regent is not explicitly established in the Catholic Constitution, Vatican observers believe that the position was created to provide a smoother transition and deeper integration into the complex workings of the papal household.
Before his elevation, Father Daleng held the position of general counsellor and procurator general of the Order of Saint Augustine in Rome, representing the order before the Holy See and coordinating affairs among its global provinces.
Born on April 4, 1977, in Yitla’ar, Kwalla, Plateau State, Nigeria, Daleng was ordained a priest on September 10, 2005. He earned his doctorate in moral theology from the Alphonsian Academy in 2012.
Speaking in an earlier interview with Vatican media following Pope Leo’s election, Daleng expressed deep admiration for the pontiff.
He said, “He has Africa in his heart. He has visited all our African missions several times and has come to my country, Nigeria, on at least ten occasions, including in 2016, when we celebrated for the first time the intermediate General Chapter,” he said.
