Pope Francis appoints Sr Simona Brambilla first woman Prefect of a Dicastery

The nun will lead the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, marking a historic turning point in the Vatican

Pope Francis has followed up on what was previously announced, appointing Sister Simona Brambilla as Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. With this decision, the nun of the Missionaries of the Consolata becomes the first woman to lead a Vatican dicastery. The appointment represents a further step towards the inclusion of women in top roles within the Church, a path already outlined by Francis with the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium of 2022.

Sister Brambilla, who will turn 60 in March, boasts a long missionary experience, especially in Mozambique, as well as a past as superior general of the Missionaries of the Consolata. Prior to her recent appointment, she served as Secretary of the same dicastery.

The appointment is part of the broader context of the reforms desired by Pope Francis to increase the presence of women in the Vatican. According to official data, the percentage of women employed between the Holy See and the Vatican City State has grown from 19.2% in 2013 to 23.4% in 2023. Notable female appointments in recent years include Barbara Jatta, director of the Vatican Museums since 2016, and Sister Raffaella Petrini, secretary general of the Governorate, appointed in 2022.

Francis’ decision to entrust positions of great responsibility to female figures marks a profound change in the hierarchical structure of the Church, paving the way for future appointments of lay people and women to lead Vatican dicasteries, traditionally reserved for cardinals and archbishops.

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