On 19 October 2026 the Vatican announced that Rev. Prof. Patrick Mwania, C.S.Sp., Vice‑Chancellor of Tangaza University in Nairobi, has been appointed to the International Theological Commission.

Mwania joins 29 other scholars for the commission’s eleventh five‑year term, which runs from 2026 to 2031.

The new term expands the body to 30 members, up from 28, with six members renewed from the previous cycle and a broader geographic spread across continents.

Asia and Africa each added a fourth representative, South America now holds five seats, Europe’s allocation fell to 13, North America retains three, and Australia has one member.

Lay participation also grew, with the total number of lay members doubling to eight and the number of women rising from five to eight, including five laywomen.

The commission’s mandate is to assist the Holy See, particularly the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, in examining major doctrinal questions of current relevance.

Members are selected by the Pope after proposals from the Dicastery’s Prefect and consultation with national Bishops’ Conferences, serving five‑year terms.

Tangaza University issued a statement congratulating Mwania, describing the appointment as a significant recognition of his theological scholarship and contribution to the Church.

The commission’s first plenary session for the new term is scheduled for 23 – 27 November.