Congratulations to the New Leadership of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development
Posted June 30, 2026
The Laudato Si’ Action Platform warmly congratulates Sister Alessandra Smerilli, F.M.A., on her appointment by Pope Leo XIV as Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, effective September 1, 2026. We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to Cardinal Fabio Baggio, C.S., who has been appointed Pro-Prefect, with special responsibility for the Laudato Si’ Higher Education Center, and to Monsignor Jozef Barlaš, who has been appointed Secretary of the Dicastery.
Sister Alessandra Smerilli, F.M.A., has been appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development by Pope Leo XIV. She will assume the role on September 1, 2026.
Over the past several years, Sister Alessandra has been a trusted guide and collaborator for the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. Her wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to integral human development have inspired our global community, and we look forward with gratitude and hope to this new chapter of leadership in service to the Church and our common home.
Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., concludes his service as Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. The Laudato Si’ Action Platform expresses its heartfelt gratitude for his leadership.
We also wish to express our profound gratitude to Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., for his dedicated service as Prefect. His pastoral leadership, steadfast commitment to the dignity of every person, and tireless advocacy for migrants, peace, justice, and care for creation have helped shape the mission of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and have been a source of encouragement for the Laudato Si’ Action Platform since its earliest years. We thank him for his friendship, guidance, and witness.
Cardinal Fabio Baggio, C.S., (left) has been appointed Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, with special responsibility for the Laudato Si’ Higher Education Center, and Monsignor Jozef Barlaš (right) has been appointed Secretary of the Dicastery. Both appointments take effect on September 1, 2026.
As this new leadership prepares to begin its ministry on September 1, we assure Sister Alessandra, Cardinal Baggio, Monsignor Barlaš, and Cardinal Czerny of our prayers. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide the Dicastery in advancing the Church’s mission of promoting integral human development, caring for our common home, and accompanying the most vulnerable with compassion, hope, and courage.
Photo: Vatican Media/Vatican News and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development