Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development

Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. It is a department of the Roman Curia established by Pope Francis to address issues of justice, peace, and environmental sustainability within the framework of Catholic social teaching. The dicastery consolidates the work of several former Pontifical Councils and is tasked with promoting the holistic development of every person and all peoples. Its mission is deeply informed by papal encyclicals such as Laudato si' and reflects the Holy See's engagement with global humanitarian and ecological challenges.

History and establishment

Pope Francis announced the creation of the dicastery through an apostolic letter, Praedicate evangelium, issued motu proprio on 1 January 2017. This reform of the Roman Curia merged four existing pontifical councils: the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, and the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers. The establishment was part of a broader curial reform aimed at streamlining operations and emphasizing the Second Vatican Council's teachings on social justice. The new entity began its work officially on 1 January 2017, with its competencies later refined by the promulgation of Praedicate evangelium in 2022.

Structure and leadership

The dicastery is led by a prefect, currently Michael Czerny, a cardinal from the Society of Jesus. He is assisted by the secretary, Alessandra Smerilli, a member of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and an economist. The structure includes several distinct sections focusing on specific themes: the Section for Migrants and Refugees, initially directly overseen by Pope Francis, and sections dedicated to Charity, Justice and Peace, and Ecology and Creation. The office also collaborates closely with the Vatican COVID-19 Commission, which was established to coordinate the Holy See's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mission and objectives

Its core mission is to advance the concept of integral human development as articulated by Pope Paul VI in Populorum progressio and expanded by subsequent popes. The objectives include promoting human dignity, social justice, peacebuilding, and the care for creation, viewing these as inseparable elements of the Gospel message. The dicastery seeks to implement the principles of Catholic social teaching in dialogue with international bodies like the United Nations and to address contemporary issues such as climate change, human trafficking, and economic inequality.

Key documents and initiatives

The dicastery's work is fundamentally shaped by the encyclicals of Pope Francis, primarily Laudato si' on ecology and Fratelli tutti on fraternity. It has produced significant documents including the operational guidelines “Vademecum on the Option for the Poor” and various statements on migration policy. Major initiatives include overseeing the Vatican COVID-19 Commission, promoting the observance of the World Day of the Poor, and launching the “Laudato si' Action Platform” to encourage ecological conversion among dioceses, religious orders, and Catholic institutions worldwide.

Relationship with other Vatican bodies

The dicastery works in close coordination with other curial departments, such as the Dicastery for the Service of Charity (formerly the Office of Papal Charities) and the Dicastery for Communication. It maintains a critical collaborative relationship with the Secretariat of State, especially concerning international diplomacy and relations with states. Furthermore, it interacts with the Synod of Bishops and the Pontifical Academy of Sciences on matters of doctrine and scientific insight related to its social and environmental mandates.

Activities and impact

Its activities range from advocacy at international forums like the COP meetings to direct support for refugees through the Section for Migrants and Refugees. The dicastery has organized conferences on topics such as nuclear disarmament and ethical investing, influencing global Catholic networks like Caritas Internationalis. Its impact is seen in shaping the discourse within the Catholic Church on issues like vaccine equity during the COVID-19 pandemic and in mobilizing local churches to participate in the Laudato si' Action Platform, fostering concrete ecological and social projects.