Pascal Arogorn Ibe
Pope Francis has appointed the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese , Matthew Kukah, as a member of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Human Integral Development.
The appointment was contained in a letter to Kukah signed by the Prefect of the Dicastery, Peter Cardinal Turkson , according to a statement on Monday by Christopher Omotosho, the Director, Social Communications , Catholic Diocese of Sokoto .
“ By this appointment , Bishop Kukah will join other members of the Dicastery drawn from different regions of the world to advise and promote the Holy Father’ s concerns on issues of justice and peace , human rights, torture , human trafficking, care of creation and other issues related to the promotion of human dignity and development , ” the statement partly read .
It noted that the appointment is renewable is for an initial period of five years , while the Council would be formally inaugurated on a soon – to – be disclosed date .
The recent appointment adds to Kukah’ s string of national and international engagements within the universal Church .
He was previously appointed a Consultor and later a member of the Pontifical Council for Inter -Religious Dialogue, Vatican City where he served under three Popes .
Kukah, whose wealth of experience in the areas of human rights , justice and reconciliation , has been commended by many , is currently the Chairman , Dialogue Committees of both the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria .
The cleric is mostly known for his non – sentimental pose and frank criticisms of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari
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