- Bishop Willybard Lagho picked to join the Vatican’s Interreligious Dialogue team
- Appointment marks a big step for Kenya and Africa in global Church affairs
- He currently leads major interfaith roles in Kenya under KCCB and IRCK
- Brings vast experience in Islamic studies and religious diplomacy
- Will work with top Church figures from Japan, Iran, Canada, and Jerusalem
- Vatican says the move is part of strengthening religious cooperation globally
The Catholic Diocese of Malindi has received major recognition after Pope Leo appointed Rt. Rev. Willybard Kitogho Lagho to the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. The announcement, made on July 3, 2025, comes as a nod to Bishop Lagho’s dedicated efforts in building peaceful ties among different faiths in Kenya and beyond.
The appointment places him among world-renowned Church leaders trusted to advance the Catholic Church’s commitment to working with other religions.
Bishop Lagho’s selection did not come by chance. He chairs the Commission for Inter-religious Dialogue and Ecumenism (CIRDE) under the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB). He also leads the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), where he’s been instrumental in promoting harmony among Christians, Muslims, and traditional religious groups.
His interfaith leadership has long focused on peacebuilding and encouraging religious tolerance, especially in regions often affected by division.
Born in Taita-Taveta on March 23, 1958, Bishop Lagho was ordained in 1997 and has served the Church in various capacities youth director, seminary rector, formator, and later as Vicar General in the Mombasa Archdiocese. He made history in 2020 as the first local Bishop of Malindi.
His academic journey includes a Master’s degree in Religious Studies from CUEA, plus advanced training in Arabic and Islamic studies in Cairo and Rome, skills that have made him stand out in interfaith engagement.
Now, Bishop Lagho will serve alongside high-profile Church leaders, including Cardinal Pizzaballa of Jerusalem, Cardinal Kikuchi of Tokyo, Cardinal Mathieu from Iran, and Cardinal Frank Leo of Toronto. Together, they form the Vatican’s frontline in promoting religious understanding.
The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue is one of the most important arms of the Vatican, promoting respect and cooperation between Catholics and people of other faiths. Bishop Lagho’s appointment signals a rising African voice in global Church matters.
His elevation is not only a win for Kenya but also a moment of pride for the continent as it takes a more visible role in shaping global faith conversations.
