Pope Leo XIV Reshapes Vatican Leadership with Key Appointments in Charity and Human Development Dicasteries

Newsroom (30/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV has announced a series of significant appointments within the Roman Curia, naming new leaders for two important Vatican departments responsible for the Church’s charitable outreach and global human development initiatives.

Among the most notable changes is the appointment of Father Lucio Ruiz as Secretary of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, the Vatican body that coordinates the Pope’s charitable initiatives and humanitarian projects worldwide. The appointment was announced on 30 June and forms part of a broader restructuring of leadership across several Vatican institutions.

Father Ruiz will officially assume his new responsibilities on 1 September, serving alongside Bishop Luis Marín de San Martín, who has headed the Apostolic Almonry—the office overseeing papal charitable activities—since March.

Veteran Communicator Takes on New Role

Father Ruiz leaves behind a long-standing career within the Vatican’s communications apparatus. He has been involved in the work of the Dicastery for Communication since its inception, when it operated as the Secretariat for Communication. In 2015, Pope Francis appointed him Secretary of the department, a role he held while helping to shape the Vatican’s modern communications strategy.

Before his service in Rome, Father Ruiz built extensive experience in Latin America. He served as an adviser to the Latin American Church’s Information Network and led the Our Lady of Guadalupe Training and Development Centre for Latin America, strengthening his reputation in communications, media development, and ecclesial outreach.

His academic contributions have also been notable. He teaches at the Faculty of Communication of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and serves as a visiting lecturer at the Pontifical Gregorian University. More recently, he contributed to organizing major Jubilee events, including the Jubilee of the World of Communication in January 2025 and the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers in July 2025.

A Farewell to the Communications Dicastery

Shortly after the announcement, Father Ruiz addressed colleagues at the Dicastery for Communication, expressing gratitude for the years spent working alongside them.

He said he was “happy to follow the Lord wherever He calls us,” while thanking staff members for their collaboration throughout the development of the department. He also sought forgiveness for any difficulties encountered, particularly during the challenging early years of building the dicastery.

Reflecting on his departure, Father Ruiz acknowledged the emotional bond he feels toward a project he helped establish and develop, noting that such connections “never pass away.”

His transfer comes during a period of leadership transition within the communications department itself. Montserrat Alvarado was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication on 2 June and is scheduled to take office in November.

New Under-Secretary Named for Charity Office

The Holy Father also appointed Massimo Ralli, currently an official within the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, as the department’s new Under-Secretary.

Ralli will take up his new position on 1 September, joining the leadership team tasked with supporting the Vatican’s extensive charitable and humanitarian mission.

New Leadership Team for Integral Human Development

In a separate announcement, Pope Leo XIV unveiled a complete new leadership team for the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, one of the Vatican’s most influential departments.

The appointments, which will also take effect on 1 September 2026, include:

• Sister Alessandra Smerilli as Prefect
• Cardinal Fabio Baggio as Pro-Prefect
• Monsignor Jozef Barlaš as Secretary

The dicastery is responsible for coordinating the Church’s work in areas including justice and peace, migration, health care, charitable service, environmental stewardship, and the promotion of human dignity worldwide.

Sister Alessandra Smerilli Elevated to Prefect

Sister Alessandra Smerilli, a member of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, has served as Secretary of the dicastery since 2021. Her appointment to Prefect marks a significant promotion as she succeeds Cardinal Michael Czerny, who has led the department since 2022.

As Prefect, Sister Smerilli will oversee the Vatican’s efforts to advance integral human development, a concept that links social justice, economic development, environmental responsibility, and the dignity of every person.

Cardinal Fabio Baggio Assigned Laudato si’ Responsibilities

Pope Leo also appointed Cardinal Fabio Baggio, previously Under-Secretary of the dicastery, as Pro-Prefect.

In his new role, Cardinal Baggio has been given special responsibility for the Laudato si’ Higher Education Centre, highlighting the Holy See’s continuing commitment to promoting care for creation and sustainable development inspired by the principles outlined in Laudato si’.

Monsignor Barlaš Promoted to Secretary

Completing the new leadership structure, Monsignor Jozef Barlaš, who served as Under-Secretary of the dicastery, has been named its new Secretary.

Together, Smerilli, Baggio, and Barlaš will guide one of the Vatican’s most wide-ranging departments at a time when issues such as migration, environmental protection, health care, and human dignity remain central concerns for the global Church.

Continuing Reform and Renewal

The appointments signal Pope Leo XIV’s continued efforts to strengthen key Vatican institutions by drawing on experienced leaders with established records of service. The changes affect departments that play vital roles in both the Church’s pastoral mission and its global humanitarian engagement.

With the appointments taking effect on 1 September, the Vatican’s charities, communications networks, and human development initiatives will enter a new phase of leadership as the Pope advances his vision for service, outreach, and care for those most in need.

• Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News