Africa and the Future of Catholicism

Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu — a Nigerian prelate serving at the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization — stands at the forefront of the Church’s global missionary efforts, helping guide its growth in some of the places where the Church is expanding most rapidly.

In this conversation, he reflects on his vocation and childhood, the key social challenges shaping the African continent, and the significance of Pope Leo’s April 2026 visit to four African nations. Filmed at the Palazzo Propaganda Fide, the discussion situates these themes within a broader shift in global Christianity—raising a central question for the future of the Church: is Africa becoming its new heart, and what, if anything, can the West learn from it?

Guest bio:

Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu is a Nigerian prelate serving in the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization. A biblical scholar and seasoned diplomat, he has represented the Holy See in various roles across Africa and Europe, including at the United Nations in Geneva and in the Vatican Secretariat of State. His work focuses on the Church’s missionary activity, particularly in regions experiencing rapid growth, placing him at the center of conversations about the future of global Catholicism.