Pope Leo XIV has appointed Kenyan theologian and Tangaza University Vice-Chancellor Patrick Mwania to the International Theological Commission, which advises the Holy See on major theological questions affecting the Catholic Church and the world.
The appointment was announced on October 19, 2026, as Pope Leo XIV named 24 new members and confirmed six others for another five-year term.
“Tangaza University congratulates Rev. Prof. Patrick Mwania, C.S.Sp., our Vice-Chancellor, on his appointment by Pope Leo XIV as a member of the International Theological Commission, announced on 19 October 2026,” read part of the statement.
Tangaza University welcomed the appointment, describing it as recognition of Mwania’s contribution to theological scholarship and the Church.
The university congratulated its Vice-Chancellor and wished him wisdom and grace as he takes up the new responsibility.
Patrick Mwania said he viewed the appointment as an opportunity for greater service rather than the culmination of his journey.
He added that he hoped to bring the experiences, insights, questions and contributions of the African Church into broader theological discussions within the universal Catholic Church.
“I am particularly conscious of the importance of bringing the experiences, insights, questions, and gifts of the African Church into the wider theological conversation of the universal Church,” he said.
History and Role of the Commission
Pope Paul VI established the International Theological Commission in 1969 within the then-Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, now known as the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
The Commission brings together theologians recognized for their scholarship and fidelity to the Church’s Magisterium. Its membership is limited to 30, and the Pope appoints members for five-year terms after the Dicastery’s Prefect proposes candidates and consults with Bishops’ Conferences.
The Commission submits the results of its studies to the Pope and makes them available to the Dicastery to support its work.
Pope John Paul II promulgated the Commission’s definitive statutes in 1982. Over its history, the body has published 33 documents with the approval of its president, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
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Who is Rev. Patrick Mwania?
Rev. Prof. Patrick Mwania, C.S.Sp., PhD, is a Kenyan theologian, professor of Catholic theology, author, and academic leader who serves as Vice-Chancellor of Tangaza University in Nairobi.
He has more than two decades of higher education experience across Africa, with expertise in academic leadership, curriculum development, educational reform, and community-engaged learning.
His scholarly work spans theology, ethics, African philosophy, education, leadership formation and social transformation.
He has also contributed to development-oriented teaching approaches and initiatives aimed at strengthening education and community development.
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Partrick Mwania has helped promote peacebuilding and reconciliation through Tangaza University’s longstanding partnership with Shalom–SCCRR, an organization working in conflict transformation and peacebuilding.
The collaboration is anchored in a Memorandum of Understanding and focuses on education, peace, justice, mercy, reconciliation and academic excellence.
He has commended the partnership for connecting academic research with practical, grassroots conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Patrick Mwania also acknowledged the contributions of Shalom–SCCRR leaders and team members who have lectured on conflict resolution and reconciliation at Tangaza University since 2010.
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