Holy Father Appoints ICMC President to Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development

Statement from ICMC President Christine Nathan on the occasion of her appointment to the Dicastery’s membership by Pope Leo XIV

‘It is with profound honor that I accept my appointment as a member of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

I express my sincere gratitude to the Holy Father for the trust he has shown in his decision to appoint me to this esteemed position, and stand ready to repay his confidence by contributing to the crucially important mission of the Dicastery within the coming five years.

My appointment is a great honor both for myself and for the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC), the organization I have served as President since June 2022. I remain immensely grateful for the inspiration and insight I have gained from the ongoing work of ICMC to serve and protect people on the move and address social justice issues all over the world, despite the many challenges of our current global context.

As I look ahead to the coming five years, I draw great strength and determination from the words of the Holy Father on our collective mission to accompany and uphold the dignity of migrants and refugees:

‘The Church, like a mother, accompanies those who are walking. Where the world sees threats, she sees children; where walls are built, she builds bridges. She knows that her proclamation of the Gospel is credible only when it is translated into gestures of closeness and welcome. And she knows that in every rejected migrant, it is Christ himself who knocks at the door of the community.’

Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te, To All Christians On Love For The Poor

Holy Father Pope Leo XIV 4 October 2025

Christine Nathan, ICMC President & Member of the Dicastery for Promoting Human Development