IMBISA to host a Justice and Peace workshop featuring the Prefect of the DPIHD, Sister Alessandra Smerilli
The IMBISA Secretariat will host a Justice and Peace workshop bringing together Bishops and Justice and Peace officials from the various Episcopal Conferences. Centered on the theme “EMPOWERING RELIGIOUS LEADERS TO ENGAGE IN EFFECTIVE ADVOCACY FOR SOCIO-POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN THE IMBISA REGION,” the event is scheduled to take place in Pretoria, South Africa, from 12 to 16 October, 2026.
The seminar aims primarily to train Justice and Peace officials—who will then be able to pass on similar training to diocesan Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation secretariats—on fostering strengthened partnerships and advocacy strategies. The goal is to address major challenges related to various types of conflict in the region, including issues surrounding mining, forced migration, elections, xenophobia, peace, justice, and development within the IMBISA Episcopal Conferences.
The participation of the Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Sister Alessandra Smerilli, has been confirmed. Her presence—representing the body’s top leadership—underscores the workshop as a direct reflection of the Holy See’s priority concerns.
As is known, the Dicastery’s mission is guided by the principles of “listening, dialogue, and reflection in a synodal manner.” By participating in this workshop, the mayor acts as a direct bridge between the Vatican and the Church at the grassroots level (regional and episcopal conferences and local Justice and Peace commissions), gathering regional concerns and sharing global guidelines for socio-transformative action. This reinforces the Church’s public commitment to being a voice for the marginalized, refugees, and victims of armed conflict, lending greater institutional visibility and political weight to the conclusions and proposals generated during the workshop.