POPE LEO XIV APPOINTS NEW LEADERS FOR THE DICASTERY FOR PROMOTING INTEGRAL HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed a new leadership team for the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the Holy See announced on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. The appointments, which will take effect on 1 September 2026, include Sr. Alessandra Smerilli, FMA, as Prefect, Cardinal Fabio Baggio, C.S., as Pro-Prefect, and Monsignor Jozef Barlas as Secretary.
With her appointment, Sr. Alessandra Smerilli becomes the third woman to head a Vatican dicastery, marking another significant milestone in the growing participation of women in senior leadership roles within the Roman Curia. She is a member of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco. She has served as Secretary of the Dicastery since 2021 and succeeds Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., as Prefect.
The Holy Father also appointed Cardinal Fabio Baggio, who previously served as Under-Secretary of the Dicastery, as Pro-Prefect. In his new role, Cardinal Baggio will oversee the Laudato Si’ Higher Education Centre, reinforcing the Holy See’s commitment to promoting integral human development through environmental stewardship, social justice, and care for our common home.
In addition, Monsignor Jozef Barlas, who has served as Under-Secretary of the Dicastery, has been appointed Secretary, completing the Department’s new leadership team.
The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development is responsible for coordinating the Church’s mission in key areas, including justice and peace, migration, healthcare, charitable works, care for creation, and the promotion of human dignity worldwide. The newly appointed leadership is expected to continue advancing these priorities in accordance with the Church’s social teaching and pastoral mission.
The appointments reflect Pope Leo XIV’s continued commitment to strengthening the Dicastery’s role in addressing the social, humanitarian, and environmental challenges facing the global community while promoting the dignity of every human person.
Story by:
Anita Aryeh
DEPSOCOM Accra
