Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has appointed Indian lay leader Christine Nathan as a member of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, marking an important step in strengthening the role of lay people and women in the Catholic Church.

Christine Nathan, who is originally from Mumbai, currently serves as the president of the International Catholic Migration Commission. She is widely known for her work in supporting migrants, refugees, and vulnerable communities across the world.

The dicastery she has been appointed to is one of the key offices in the Vatican. It focuses on issues such as migration, social justice, peace, care for the poor, and environmental concerns. Members are selected from different parts of the world to help guide the Church’s response to global challenges.

Her appointment was announced as part of a group of new nominations made by the pope in late March 2026. It reflects a growing effort within the Vatican to include more lay experts and women in leadership and advisory roles.

Church observers say this move highlights the increasing importance given to the voices of lay people in shaping the mission of the Church. It also recognises the contribution of Indian Catholics to global Church life.

With her experience in humanitarian work and advocacy, Christine Nathan is expected to bring valuable insight to the dicastery’s work, especially in areas related to human dignity and the protection of migrants.

This appointment is seen as a sign of a more inclusive approach in Church leadership, where people from diverse backgrounds are given a greater role in addressing the needs of the modern world.