BREAKING Pope Leo XIV Appoints 2nd Woman as Prefect Sister Alessandra Smerilli - Now Heads the Dicastery Promoting Integral Human Development

Vatican Announces New Leadership for Integral Human Development Dicastery

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo has appointed a new leadership team for the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, naming Sister Alessandra Smerilli as Prefect, Cardinal Fabio Baggio as Pro-Prefect, and Monsignor Jozef Barlaš as Secretary. The transitions will officially take effect on September 1, 2026, according to a Holy See announcement on Tuesday.

The New Leadership Team

• Prefect: Sister Alessandra Smerilli, FMA Sister Smerilli, a member of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, steps into the top leadership role after serving as the Dicastery’s Secretary since 2021. She succeeds Cardinal Michael Czerny, who has led the department as Prefect since 2022.

• Pro-Prefect: Cardinal Fabio Baggio Moving up from his role as Under-Secretary, Cardinal Baggio will now serve as Pro-Prefect. In addition to his core duties, the Pope has entrusted him with specific oversight of the Laudato si’ Higher Education Centre, underscoring the Vatican's ongoing focus on environmental care and creation.

• Secretary: Monsignor Jozef Barlaš Monsignor Barlaš, who previously served as Under-Secretary alongside Cardinal Baggio, completes the leadership trio as the department's new Secretary.

Mission of the Dicastery

The newly appointed team will steer the Vatican department tasked with advancing the Church's global mission across several critical sectors:

• Justice, peace, and human dignity

• Migration and humanitarian charity

• Healthcare and care for creation