Pope Names First Woman to Lead Vatican Dicastery

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JAN 6

Above: Pope Francis presides over a mass for the Epiphany in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on Jan. 6, 2025. Image copyright: Riccardo De Luca/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Imagesstory last updated JAN 6

The Facts

Pope Francis appointed Sister Simona Brambilla, 59, on Monday as the first woman prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
The appointment was made possible by Francis' 2022 apostolic constitution reform, which allowed laypeople and women to head Vatican dicasteries — positions previously reserved for cardinals and bishops.
Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime was simultaneously appointed as pro-prefect, a necessary arrangement since certain sacramental functions can only be performed by ordained clergy.

The Spin

Narrative A

This appointment marks a historic milestone in Vatican leadership — a revolutionary step forward in Vatican governance. It breaks centuries of male-only leadership in top positions and demonstrates concrete progress in giving women more authority in church decision-making.

The Times of India The Daily Guardian

Narrative B

While Sister Brambilla's appointment shows progress in administrative roles, it maintains traditional and restrictive theological boundaries. Women remain excluded from priesthood and certain sacramental functions, requiring a male pro-prefect to fulfill these duties. There is still room for improvement in terms of gender inclusion within the Catholic Church power structure.

Reuters Guardian