FILE

Pope Francis has appointed Sister Simona Brambilla, an Italian-born religious sister from the Consolata Missionaries, as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. This historic appointment marks the first time a woman will lead a Dicastery of the Holy See, a position traditionally held by Cardinals and Archbishops.

Sister Simona, who is set to celebrate her 60th birthday on March 27, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Before this appointment, she served as the Superior General of the Consolata Missionaries from 2011 to 2023 and has been the Secretary of the Dicastery since October 2023. Her journey has been remarkable, transitioning from a professional nurse to a missionary in Mozambique, and now to a top leadership role in the Vatican.

Pope Francis also named Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime as Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery. Cardinal Artime, who was elevated to the rank of Cardinal in September 2023, will assist Sister Simona in her new duties.

The Pope announced these appointments on the Solemnity of the Epiphany, underscoring the significance of the occasion. Sister Simona’s new role is not just a personal milestone but also a symbol of the increasing presence of women in the Vatican under Pope Francis’s leadership. Since his pontificate began, the percentage of women working in the Vatican has grown from 19.2% to 23.4%, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusivity and representation.

This shift is part of a larger framework outlined in the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium, which allows laypeople, including women, to lead Vatican Dicasteries. Sister Simona’s appointment follows other notable female leaders in Vatican roles, such as Barbara Jatta, Director of the Vatican Museums, and Sister Raffaella Petrini, Secretary General of the Governorate of Vatican City.

As Sister Simona steps into her new role, her leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. Her appointment is a testament to Pope Francis’s vision of a more inclusive Church, paving the way for greater female leadership in its highest ranks.