Sister Alessandra Smerilli, the dicastery’s interim Secretary and now official, leads the office on migrants and development as the Vatican modernizes its social mission.
The Vatican has appointed Italian economist Alessandra Smerilli as head of the office for migrants, environment and development, succeeding Cardinal Michael Czerny. Cardinal Fabio Baggio is named pro-prefect alongside her. The move follows Pope Francis’ push to elevate women in the Holy See’s leadership, while traditionalists push back on further reforms.