Pope Francis Appoints Simona Brambilla as First Woman in Major Vatican Role
Pope Francis has named the first woman to lead a major Vatican office, almost 15 years into his leadership of the Catholic church.
Sister Simona Brambilla will serve as prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life-the body central to the Church's governance that is responsible for overseeing and supporting Catholic religious groups, confirmed the official Vatican Media news organization.
Why It Matters
Brambilla, 59, is the first woman to lead one of the Holy See's major dicasteries, offices traditionally dominated by male clergy. While women have previously held deputy roles in Vatican offices, no woman has ever led such a significant department.
Brambilla's role also reflects broader calls for the Church to recognize women's contributions. For decades, Catholic women have argued for greater inclusion in decision-making roles, pointing out that they handle much of the Church's work in education, health care, and passing down the faith. Despite these contributions, they have long faced a "second-class" status within an institution that reserves the priesthood and many leadership roles for men.
This development is part of a broader trend. During Francis' papacy, the percentage of women employed in the Vatican has increased from 19.3 percent in 2013 to 23.4 percent in 2023.
What to Know
Brambilla, a member of the Consolata Missionaries, has a long history of service. Her experience includes missionary work in Mozambique and serving as her order's superior from 2011 to 2023. She became the department's secretary in 2023, positioning her to succeed Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, who retired after leading the dicastery since 2011.
This appointment comes with a shared leadership arrangement. Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime has been named "pro-prefect" to colead the dicastery. This arrangement addresses theological rules that restrict certain sacramental functions to ordained men. Nevertheless, Brambilla's designation as prefect signifies the Vatican's trust in her leadership abilities.
What Will Brambilla Be Expected To Do?
Brambilla's role comes at a critical time for religious orders. She will be expected to support communities including monks, nuns, and friars who live according to specific spiritual rules such as Benedictines and Franciscans. Many are grappling with declining vocations, aging memberships, and financial challenges. Brambilla's background in missionary work and organizational leadership will be pivotal while she navigates each issue that reaches her office.
How Is It Possible for Senior Females To Be Appointed by the Pope?
Observers note that her appointment was made possible by Pope Francis' 2022 reforms to the Vatican's constitution, which opened leadership positions to laypeople, including women. This shift is seen as part of the pope's vision for a more inclusive Church.
Leaders such as Sister Raffaella Petrini, the first female secretary-general of the Vatican City State, and Sister Nathalie Becquart, an undersecretary for the Synod of Bishops, exemplify this progress. However, the Pope has also faced criticism this week for admonishing nuns with "vinegar faces" to be more friendly, avoiding "jealousies" and "gossip."
What People Are Saying
James Martin, Jesuit priest and editor at large of the magazine Americacalled the move a "historic first" on X.
Father Manuel Dorantes, a management director at the Vatican, also posted from his X account: "We are blessed by her 'yes' to serve the Lord and the Church."
What Happens Next
Brambilla's tenure could serve as a model for further appointments of women to high-ranking roles in the Vatican.
The Vatican is also preparing for a second session of its historic synod on Church governance, scheduled for October. Vatican-watchers believe Brambilla's role could help shape discussions on the inclusion of women in Church decision-making processes.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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This story was originally published January 6, 2025 at 2:57 PM