Nigeria, April 1 -- Pope Leo XIV has appointed the Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto Hassan Kukah to a top position in the Vatican City.

The Nigerian priest will serve as a Member of the Council of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, which will enable him to contribute to shaping Catholic Church's teachings and stance on key global issues like the environment, human rights, migration, and human development.

A statement by Pascal Salifu, a priest and director of communications, Diocese of Sokoto, on Tuesday, said Mr Kukah was notified of his appointment in a letter addressed to him by the Pope.

The letter was signed by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Peter Parolin, according to the statement.

By his appointment, Mr Kuk...