Pope Leo XIV picks Malindi Bishop Willybard Lagho for key Vatican role
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Kenyan Bishop Willybard Lagho to the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, placing the Malindi-based leader at the heart of global efforts to promote harmony between the Catholic Church and non-Christian religions.
The announcement was made on July 4 by the Catholic Justice and Peace Department under the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB).
“The Catholic Justice and Peace Department congratulates Rt. Rev Willybard Lagho, Bishop of Malindi, on his appointment by Pope Leo to the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. A shepherd of peace, dialogue, and understanding. Your witness inspires our mission,” the department said.
The Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, known as DID, manages and strengthens relationships between the Church and followers of other religions, except Judaism.
It supports open dialogue and cooperation rooted in respect, peace, and shared values.
Bishop Lagho was born on March 23, 1958, in Taita-Taveta. He was ordained as a deacon on December 21, 1985, and became a priest on April 25, 1987, both under the Archdiocese of Mombasa.
He was appointed Bishop of Malindi on December 28, 2020, and officially ordained on March 19, 2021, at St. Anthony Cathedral in Malindi.
He now joins the Dicastery led by Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, who was appointed by the late Pope Francis.
The team includes a Secretary, Undersecretary, bishops, and other experts who work with Church leaders worldwide to guide religious dialogue at local and international levels.
The Dicastery helps train Church leaders for interfaith engagement, supports local initiatives, and collaborates with regional episcopal groups and Eastern Churches.
It also runs commissions focused on specific faith traditions, including Muslims, and works with other Vatican departments when necessary.
Its broader goal is to encourage respect among religions while advancing peace, freedom, social justice, care for the environment, and shared moral values.
Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Lagho just weeks after he took over as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
He was elected on May 8 during a papal conclave following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 and officially began his role on May 18.
The announcement was made on July 4 by the Catholic Justice and Peace Department under the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB).
“The Catholic Justice and Peace Department congratulates Rt. Rev Willybard Lagho, Bishop of Malindi, on his appointment by Pope Leo to the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. A shepherd of peace, dialogue, and understanding. Your witness inspires our mission,” the department said.
The Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, known as DID, manages and strengthens relationships between the Church and followers of other religions, except Judaism.
It supports open dialogue and cooperation rooted in respect, peace, and shared values.
Bishop Lagho was born on March 23, 1958, in Taita-Taveta. He was ordained as a deacon on December 21, 1985, and became a priest on April 25, 1987, both under the Archdiocese of Mombasa.
He was appointed Bishop of Malindi on December 28, 2020, and officially ordained on March 19, 2021, at St. Anthony Cathedral in Malindi.
He now joins the Dicastery led by Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, who was appointed by the late Pope Francis.
The team includes a Secretary, Undersecretary, bishops, and other experts who work with Church leaders worldwide to guide religious dialogue at local and international levels.
The Dicastery helps train Church leaders for interfaith engagement, supports local initiatives, and collaborates with regional episcopal groups and Eastern Churches.
It also runs commissions focused on specific faith traditions, including Muslims, and works with other Vatican departments when necessary.
Its broader goal is to encourage respect among religions while advancing peace, freedom, social justice, care for the environment, and shared moral values.
Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Lagho just weeks after he took over as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
He was elected on May 8 during a papal conclave following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 and officially began his role on May 18.
Catholic Bishops
catholic
Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops
KCCB
The Vatican
Pope Leo XIV
Willybard Lagho
Bishop Willybard Lagho
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