Joseph Isangura
The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Cameroonian economist Dr. Vera Songwe as an ordinary member of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, bringing one of Africa’s most respected development experts into an influential advisory body within the Holy See.
The appointment places Dr. Songwe among a select group of internationally recognised scholars who contribute their expertise to the Vatican’s efforts to better understand and respond to major economic and social challenges affecting societies across the world. Members of the academy examine complex issues such as poverty, economic inequality, governance and sustainable development, offering insights that help inform the Catholic Church’s social thinking and engagement with global policy debates.
Dr. Songwe has built a reputation over many years as a leading voice on development and economic transformation in Africa. Her work has focused on policies that support inclusive growth, regional integration and long-term economic stability across the continent. Analysts say her experience working with governments and international institutions has made her one of the most influential African economists on the global stage.
Before this latest appointment, Dr. Songwe served as an Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). In that role she worked closely with African leaders, policymakers and international partners to design strategies aimed at strengthening economic resilience, boosting trade and encouraging investment in key sectors such as infrastructure and technology.
Her tenure at the commission was marked by a strong push for deeper economic cooperation among African countries. She also supported initiatives designed to improve industrial development and expand regional markets, arguing that greater collaboration between African economies would help accelerate sustainable growth across the continent.
The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, founded in 1994 by Pope John Paul II, plays a key role in connecting academic research with the Catholic Church’s engagement on global social issues. The academy brings together respected experts in fields such as economics, sociology, law and political science. Through conferences, research programmes and policy discussions, members examine some of the most pressing challenges facing the modern world.
Scholars within the academy often explore subjects ranging from poverty reduction and climate change to migration and ethical questions surrounding economic development. Their work helps shape the broader dialogue within the Vatican about how the Church can contribute to addressing global inequalities while promoting human dignity and social justice.
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Observers say Dr. Songwe’s inclusion in the academy reflects a growing recognition of the importance of perspectives from developing regions, particularly Africa, in global policy discussions. As many emerging economies face complex economic transitions, voices with direct experience of development challenges are increasingly sought after in international forums.
For the Vatican, bringing an economist with extensive knowledge of African development into its advisory network signals an effort to deepen its understanding of the economic realities affecting large parts of the world. It also highlights the Church’s continuing interest in engaging with experts who can offer practical insights into the social and economic transformations shaping the twenty-first century.
Dr. Songwe’s appointment is widely seen as another milestone in a career dedicated to public service and economic reform. Her experience at the intersection of academic research, international policy and development planning is expected to add valuable perspectives to the academy’s work.s.
