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The Management, Senate, Staff, Students, and the entire Claretian University of Nigeria have received with profound joy the appointment of their Vice-Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Professor Wenceslaus Madu, as a Consultor to the Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches).

The appointment, which was made by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was announced on the 30th of June 2026 in Rome. Professor Wence is among the five distinguished African church leaders who were appointed by the Holy Father. Three of them were named Members of the Dicastery, while two, including the VC were appointed Consultors. This underscores a significant recognition of Professor Wence's commitment to the Church's mission of evangelization, and academic leadership. It equally reflects the confidence of the Holy See in the proven expertise and dedication of the Vice Chancellor to the growth of the Church. 

It is important to know that the Dicastery for Evangelization is one of the principal departments of the Roman Curia. According to the Apostolic Constitution "Praedicate Evangelium," promulgated in 2022, the Dicastery is responsible for promoting the Church's evangelizing mission throughout the world and supporting the establishment, growth, and pastoral development of new particular Churches.

As a Consultor to the Section for the First Evangelization and New Particular Churches, Professor Wence will offer expert advice on matters concerning missionary outreach, the strengthening of young Churches, the formation of clergy, catechists and lay missionaries, missionary vocations, the exchange of pastoral experiences among local Churches, and the promotion of sustainable development within mission territories. This Section also coordinates support for Bishops in mission territories, oversees the Pontifical Mission Societies, and assists local Churches in deepening the life of faith and advancing the proclamation of the Gospel.

It is therefore, a source of immense pride not only to the CUN community but also to the Claretian Missionaries, the Catholic Church in Nigeria, and the entire academic community. The appointment further affirms the  University's growing reputation as a centre of excellence in Catholic higher education, research, character formation, and missionary service.

The entire Management, Senate, Staff and Students of CUN, happily congratulate their Vice Chancellor on this well-deserved appointment, and pray God to grant him abundant wisdom, strength and grace, as he undertakes this important responsibility in the service of the universal Church.

Mark Irechukwu,
Public Relations Unit, CUN