Sister Simona Brambilla Becomes First Woman to Lead Vatican Dicastery

Pope Francis has made a historic appointment by naming Consolata Missionary Sister Simona Brambilla as the first woman to lead a Vatican dicastery, specifically the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. This decision, announced on January 6, aligns with the Pope's ongoing efforts to enhance women's leadership roles within the Catholic Church, following reforms introduced in 2022 that allowed women to head Vatican departments. Sister Brambilla, who previously served as the dicastery's secretary, will work alongside Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, named as the pro-prefect. The dicastery oversees nearly 700,000 consecrated individuals, predominantly women, within the Church. Critics note that while this appointment is significant, more tangible actions are needed to promote women's authority in Church life. Brambilla's appointment reflects a continued shift towards inclusivity within the Vatican's leadership structure.