The Light Bulb is joined by the Emery.
My jokes about Italian surnames, which I admit are neither witty nor in good taste, do not imply enthusiasm or rejection regarding the appointments. Nor do they reflect a critical attitude toward the appointees. If they perform well, we will acknowledge it, and if not, we will also express that.
And if any masculine surname bore similarities to other Spanish words—Mariconi, Tontoni, Bobini or Bobone, Cagarruti…, pointing it out would in no way imply belittling anyone for it. It is simply my unfortunate sense of humor.
Appointment of the Prefect, Pro-Prefect and Secretary of the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development
His Holiness Leo XIV has appointed as Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development the Reverend Sister Alessandra Smerilli, F.M.A., hitherto Secretary of the same Dicastery. Reverend Sister Smerilli will assume the office on 1 September 2026.
The Holy Father has also appointed as Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development, with special responsibility for the Laudato si’ Centre for Higher Education, His Eminence the Most Reverend Cardinal Fabio Baggio, C.S., hitherto Under-Secretary of the same Dicastery. The Most Eminent Pro-Prefect will assume the office on 1 September 2026.
Furthermore, the Roman Pontiff has appointed as Secretary of the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development the Reverend Monsignor Jozef Barlaš, hitherto Under-Secretary of the aforementioned Dicastery. The Reverend Monsignor Barlaš will assume the office on 1 September 2026.
With the Pro-Prefect, the Pope acknowledges the Prefect’s sacramental deficiency and appoints someone to supply it if necessary. Fair enough. And the deficiency is acknowledged.