Fr. Rampeoane Hlobo, S.J., Appointed Member of Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development
The Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM) received with deep gratitude the news that Fr. Rampeoane Hlobo, S.J., has been appointed a Member of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. The appointment, made by Pope Leo XIV, was officially published on 30 March 2026 and communicated through the Secretariat of State.
Fr. Hlobo, a South African Jesuit currently serving as Director of the Justice and Ecology Office in Africa (JEO/JENA) at the JCAM headquarters in Nairobi, is one of a distinguished group of new members drawn from nine countries across Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Africa is represented by four appointees, reflecting Pope Leo's recognition of the continent’s growing voice and vital contribution to the life of the universal Church. The African appointees include:
1. Bishop Fulgence Muteba Mugalu, Archbishop of Lubumbashi;
2. Sr Linah Siabana, S.M.N.D.A. of Zambia;
3. Sr Léocadie Wabo Lushombo of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and
4. Fr Rampeoane Hlobo, S.J. , a South African Jesuit and member of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar.
The appointment entrusts Fr. Hlobo with contributing to the Church’s global mission of promoting human dignity, justice, peace, care for creation, and the well‑being of vulnerable communities—a mission that lies at the very heart of the Dicastery’s mandate.
Fr. Hlobo’s long-standing commitment to social justice, accompaniment, and the flourishing of all God’s people is well known across the Africa and Madagascar region. In his new role, Fr. Hlobo will bring invaluable African perspectives to the Church’s wider discernment on integral human development, enriching the Dicastery’s work with deep experience in grassroots accompaniment and justice advocacy.
About the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development
Established by Pope Francis in 2016, the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development is tasked with advancing the Church’s mission in areas central to human life and dignity. Its competencies reflect a comprehensive vision of human flourishing inspired by the Gospel and Catholic social teaching.
The Dicastery mission is principally concerned with:
1. Promoting the God-given dignity of all persons, together with human rights, health, justice, and peace;
2. Matters relating to the economy and work, the care of creation as our “common home,” migration, and humanitarian emergencies;
3. Examining and spreading the Church’s social doctrine on integral human development;
4. Supporting particular Churches, Episcopal Conferences, and their regional and continental groupings;
5. Cooperating with representatives of civil society and international organizations.
Fr. Hlobo’s appointment comes at a time when the Church is increasingly called to listen to the voices of the Global South. As a Jesuit, Fr. Hlobo embodies the Ignatian charism of serving the faith that does justice.
The Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar celebrates this appointment as a recognition of the region’s growing contribution to the universal Church. JCAM invites the entire Jesuit family and all people of good will to join in prayer and fraternal support.
