Pope Francis Appoints Italian Nun Simona Brambilla as First Woman Prefect in Vatican History

Jan 6, 2025, 01:30 PM

Pope Francis has appointed Sister Simona Brambilla as the first woman prefect in Vatican history, naming her head of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. The Italian nun, who previously served as secretary of the same department, will oversee the Catholic Church's religious orders. This historic appointment marks a significant step in giving women more leadership roles in the governance of the Catholic Church, with a cardinal now reporting to her.