On Tuesday, June 30, the Holy See Press Office announced significant changes to the Church’s organizational structure. Pope Leo XIV has decided to promote renewal in two key areas: service to integral human development and assistance to the most vulnerable through the Office of Papal Charities.

A new leadership for human development

The Salesian nun, Sister Alessandra Smerilli, FMA, has been appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Sister Smerilli, who until now served as Secretary of the same organization, will assume her new role at the head of the Dicastery on September 1, 2026.

Charity: a commitment with a vocation of service

Meanwhile, the Pope has appointed Ruiz, an Argentinian priest who had served as secretary of the Dicastery for Communication since 2015, as the new secretary of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity. With this move, the priest becomes second in command of the Office of Papal Charities.

Regarding his new mission, which will also begin on September 1, 2026, Ruiz expressed his gratitude and availability: “I am completely happy to follow the Lord wherever He calls us.” Reflecting on his time in his previous position, he added emotionally: “I feel the responsibility of a project already completed and begun, and that sense of responsibility never fades.”