Pope Francis shakes the Vatican by appointing first woman to lead major office
- Sister Simona Brambilla has been appointed by Pope Francis to lead the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
- This appointment is groundbreaking as it marks the first time a woman has held such a significant leadership role in the Vatican.
- The move reflects Pope Francis's ongoing effort to enhance women's participation in the Church's governance despite remaining restrictions on women's ordination.
On January 6, 2025, in Vatican City, Pope Francis made a historic move by appointing Sister Simona Brambilla as the first woman to lead a major Vatican office. This appointment marks a significant step towards enhancing female representation within the Catholic Church's hierarchy, where women have long been relegated to secondary roles despite their vital contributions. Sister Simona Brambilla, a 59-year-old member of the Consolata Missionaries, previously held the position of secretary within the department overseeing religious orders. Her new role as prefect of the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life positions her at the helm of all religious orders in the Catholic Church, from Jesuits to newer movements, indicating a significant shift in traditional power dynamics in the Church. While this appointment represents notable progress, it also underscores the limitations that persist regarding women's roles within the Catholic Church. Pope Francis has maintained the ban on female priests and deacons, thus necessitating the appointment of a male co-leader to fulfill sacramental responsibilities. This dual leadership structure highlights the ongoing complexities and challenges facing the inclusion of women in the Church while signaling Pope Francis's commitment to expanding their leadership opportunities in non-sacramental areas. The increase in female representation in the Vatican has been gradual, with the percentage rising from 19.2% in 2013 to 23.4% in early 2025. Despite these changes, many women in the Church still feel their roles do not match their contributions, as they often carry out crucial work in schools, hospitals, and faith transmission without being afforded equal status in governance or decision-making. The historic nature of Brambilla's appointment signals a pivotal moment in the Catholic Church’s approach to gender roles and leadership, potentially paving the way for greater inclusion in the future.