NEW DELHI/VATICAN CITY, July 3, 2026: The appointment of Sr. Alessandra Smerilli as Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development is expected to strengthen the Holy See’s engagement with the pastoral and social concerns of the Church in India, according to Fr. Jaison Vadassery, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Migrants.
Fr. Jaison, who also serves as Secretary to the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC), said the new Prefect’s firsthand experience of India, particularly her engagement with communities affected by poverty and migration, gives her a unique perspective as she assumes leadership of one of the Vatican’s most socially engaged dicasteries.
“India is very close to her heart,” Fr. Jaison said, recalling Sr. Alessandra’s immediate response to his congratulatory message following her appointment: “I want to come to India again.”
The Salesian Sister of Don Bosco has visited India on several occasions, including an extensive pastoral visit in 2024 during which she travelled with Fr. Jaison through Delhi, Ranchi and Kolkata, meeting bishops, seminarians, religious and lay faithful while listening to the experiences of migrants, tribal communities and people living in poverty.
“I first came to know her through the International Catholic Migration Commission and later had the privilege of accompanying her during her visit to India,” Fr. Jaison said. “Despite holding a senior position in the Vatican, she travelled with complete simplicity and showed a genuine desire to understand the realities of the local Church.”
According to him, Sr. Alessandra’s academic expertise in economics and integral human development is matched by an uncommon humility and pastoral sensitivity.
“She is exceptionally competent but remarkably approachable. There is no sense of distance or formality with her. She is someone who listens, builds relationships and works collaboratively,” he said.
Fr. Jaison believes those qualities make her particularly well suited to lead the dicastery responsible for promoting justice, peace, care for creation, migration, health and the Church’s outreach to vulnerable communities.
He noted that three principles consistently shaped her approach during meetings and pastoral visits: dialogue, discernment and shared decision-making.
“She always emphasised dialogue, followed by discernment, before arriving at decisions together. Her vision reflects the synodal path to which the Church is committed,” he said.
During discussions with bishops in Ranchi, Sr. Alessandra listened attentively to concerns about widespread poverty and migration in northern India. Rather than offering theoretical observations, she suggested practical initiatives such as self-employment programmes and cooperative models based on successful experiences elsewhere.
For Fr. Jaison, her greatest strength lies not only in her professional competence but also in the authenticity of her religious vocation.
“Despite her responsibilities, she remains first and foremost a religious sister,” he said. “She made time to meet fellow women religious during her visit, valuing their mission and presence.”
He also recalled her moving encounter with children from Myanmar refugee families in Delhi.
“She knelt down to speak with the children, embraced them and spent time listening to them. That simple gesture revealed the compassion that characterises her ministry,” he said.
Fr. Jaison expressed confidence that Sr. Alessandra’s familiarity with India would foster closer collaboration between the Vatican and the Church in the country while ensuring that issues affecting migrants, indigenous communities and economically disadvantaged people receive greater attention.
“She understands India’s challenges because she has seen them herself,” he said. “As the Church in India continues to grow in its mission, her leadership will help ensure that the voices of those on the margins are heard more clearly within the universal Church.”
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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