Pope Francis on Monday has appointed Sister Simona Brambilla as the first woman to head a major Vatican office. This historic move advances the Pope’s mission to include more women in leadership roles within the Catholic Church.
Sister Brambilla, 59, will serve as prefect of the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. This key Vatican department oversees all Catholic religious orders, including the Jesuits, Franciscans, and newer movements. Her appointment marks a turning point, as no woman has ever held the top position in a dicastery, the central governing body of the Holy See.
The Vatican confirmed the historic nature of the decision, with Vatican Media headlining its announcement: “Sister Simona Brambilla is the first woman prefect in the Vatican.” This appointment is part of the Pope’s broader effort to elevate women’s roles in the Church, aligning with his calls for greater inclusivity.
Sister Brambilla succeeds Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, 77, who is retiring. She previously served as the second-in-command of the same office since last year. A member of the Consolata Missionaries religious order, Sister Brambilla brings decades of experience in church leadership to her new role.
To support the transition and ensure theological functions are fulfilled, Pope Francis also appointed Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime as co-leader or “pro-prefect.” Theologically, certain duties, such as celebrating Mass and performing sacraments, are limited to men in the Church. However, Sister Brambilla is listed as the primary leader in the Vatican’s official announcement, signifying her central role in the department’s governance.
The Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life plays a critical role in shaping the spiritual and administrative direction of Catholic religious communities worldwide. By appointing a woman to this position, Pope Francis underscores his commitment to reforming the Vatican’s leadership structure and providing women with greater decision-making authority.
This decision follows previous moves by Pope Francis to appoint women to senior positions in the Vatican. However, until now, such appointments have typically been limited to deputy roles. Sister Brambilla’s new position as prefect is unprecedented and signals a shift in the Church’s approach to governance.
Sister Brambilla’s appointment is expected to inspire further discussions about women’s roles in the Church. As Pope Francis continues to champion inclusivity and diversity, this historic step highlights his dedication to modernizing the Church while respecting its traditions.
The world will watch closely as Sister Brambilla takes on her new responsibilities, breaking barriers and setting a precedent for future leadership within the Catholic Church.
