Series: Peter Akpunonu (1943-)

Rev. Fr. Peter Damian Akpunonu (b. 1943) is a Nigerian Catholic priest and theologian known for his significant contributions to ecumenical dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. He served as a member of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC-II) from 1983 to 1990 and was later appointed to the Vatican’s International Theological Commission (2004–2014), where he advised on theological matters impacting the wider Church.

Beyond his ecumenical work, Fr. Akpunonu played key roles in theological education, including serving as Rector of Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu and of the Catholic Institute of West Africa in Port Harcourt. His scholarly work and leadership have deeply influenced priestly formation in Nigeria, while his involvement in international dialogue has helped foster greater understanding and unity between Christian traditions.