In the Roman Curia, where the fates of the Catholic world have been forged for centuries, an event occurred on August 17, 2016, which many called a "silent revolution." Pope Francis, by his apostolic letter Humanam Progressionem, established a new dicastery — an office that was to deal not just with charity, but with the holistic development of the human person. Thus, the Dicastery for the Whole Human Development (Dicasterium ad Integram Humanam Progressionem fovendam) was born — one of the 16 dicasteries of the Roman Curia, intended to unite the scattered efforts of the Church in the struggle for justice, peace, and the dignity of every person. History of Creation: the merger of four councils The dicastery did not arise from nowhere. It incorporated the competencies of four abolished papal councils: "Justice and Peace," "Cor Unum" (the papal council for charity), the Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants, and the Council for Health. The idea was revolutionary: instead of dealing with peace, poverty, migrants, and the sick in a scattered manner, the Church created a single body that should consider all these issues in their interconnection. This was a response to the challenges of the 21st century — globalization, mass migration, an ecological crisis, and growing inequality. Francis, who as a cardinal spoke of a "Church for the Poor," finally received the tool to implement this concept at the level of the entire curia. Structure and Leadership The dicastery is headed by a prefect. Since its inception and until 2025, this position was held by Cardinal Michael Czerny, a Jesuit of Czech origin, known for his work with migrants and refugees. The Secretary of the dicastery is Sister Alessandra Smerilli — one of the few women in high posts in the Vatican administration. Their task is not just to administer, but to "listen, engage in dialogue, and reflect in a synodal key," as stated in the statutes of the department. The dicastery relies on a wid ... Read more