Bishop Willybard Lagho Appointed to Vatican Interfaith Council in Landmark Move for Kenya

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Willybard Kitogho Lagho of the Malindi Catholic Diocese to the powerful Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

The announcement, made on Friday, July 4, places the Kenyan bishop in one of the highest religious councils in the Roman Catholic Church.

It is not only a recognition of Bishop Lagho’s tireless work in promoting peace and tolerance in Kenya—it’s a global call for dialogue, understanding, and unity among faiths, led in part by a humble Kenyan voice.

Pope Leo XIV has named Bishop Willybard (Kitogho) Lagho of Malindi, Kenya, to serve as a member of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. [Photo: Courtesy]

Bishop Willybard Lagho Takes on Global Role in Faith Dialogue

The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue is one of the most critical arms of the Roman Curia, the administrative engine that powers the Vatican. Its mission is simple yet profound—to bridge understanding between the Catholic Church and non-Christian religions.

Now, Bishop Willybard Lagho will sit among the few leaders tasked with shaping global interfaith relationships. Currently, Bishop Lagho serves as Chairperson of the Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue and Ecumenism (CIRDE) at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops.

He also chairs the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), a prominent national platform promoting religious coexistence in one of Africa’s most diverse countries.

His appointment to the Vatican Dicastery is no accident. It reflects the Church’s confidence in Lagho’s ability to lead difficult conversations, heal divisions, and build bridges between communities torn by religious tension.

In his new Vatican role, Lagho is expected to help drive strategic dialogue with leaders of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, traditional religions, and other faith groups around the world. His input will influence how the Church engages in joint humanitarian efforts, peacemaking, and mutual theological understanding.

What the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue Does

Dicasteries are Vatican departments, each focusing on a different area of the Church’s global mission. The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue is charged with improving relationships with non-Christian religions—an essential task in a world plagued by division and extremism.

The Dicastery promotes mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation with people of all beliefs. It organizes conferences, studies, and spiritual exchanges that foster peace, human dignity, and ecological stewardship. The Dicastery also works to help Catholics and clergy engage with other faiths meaningfully, offering training, resources, and expert personnel.

One of its key components is the Commission for Religious Relations with Muslims, which plays an especially critical role in countries where Christianity and Islam coexist. Bishop Willybard Lagho’s deep experience in Muslim-Christian dialogue in coastal Kenya makes him a strategic choice for this commission.

Moreover, the Dicastery collaborates with other Vatican departments like the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Evangelization. It plans initiatives in consultation with local Churches and Episcopal Conferences, ensuring that decisions reflect the realities on the ground.

Bishop Lagho’s understanding of Africa’s religious dynamics and his ability to bring different groups together will now inform global policy and practice from the heart of the Catholic Church.

Bishop Lagho’s Journey from Mombasa to the Vatican

Born on March 23, 1958, Bishop Lagho has spent decades nurturing the Catholic faith and promoting interreligious peace in Kenya. He was ordained a deacon in Mombasa in December 1985 and became a priest in April 1987.

His long service in Kenya’s coastal region, where Christianity and Islam meet daily, has shaped his inclusive worldview.

He was appointed Bishop of Malindi on December 28, 2020, and officially ordained on March 19, 2021. Since then, he has become a respected voice in regional and national religious matters.

As Chairman of IRCK, Lagho has overseen projects addressing conflict resolution, education, disaster response, and youth engagement across religious lines. His approach has always been dialogical—listening before speaking, embracing before judging.

Lagho’s role in CIRDE at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops further solidified his credentials in religious diplomacy. His ability to manage sensitive topics with grace and intelligence makes him a natural fit for the Vatican’s interreligious mission.

Kenyan leaders have already lauded his appointment as a proud moment for the nation and a sign that African voices are gaining traction in shaping global religious policy.

As Bishop Willybard Lagho prepares to represent Kenya and Africa at the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, one thing is clear: his mission has never been more urgent.