Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development since 2022, has long pushed social justice across continents.
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.