Pope Francis Appoints Sister Raffaella Petrini as First Female Governor of Vatican City, Effective March 2025, After 96 Years

Jan 20, 2025, 10:29 AM

Pope Francis has announced the appointment of Sister Raffaella Petrini as the first female governor of Vatican City, set to take effect in March 2025. This historic decision marks a significant shift in the governance of the city-state, which has been led exclusively by men since its establishment 96 years ago. The move is part of broader administrative changes within the Vatican, as indicated by recent appointments including Sister Simona Brambilla, who has been named head of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.