Pope Names Nun to Lead Major Vatican Office in Historic First

Photo: Reuters

In a groundbreaking move, Pope Francis has appointed Sister Simona Brambilla to head a significant Vatican office, marking the first time a woman has taken on this role. She will now lead the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, the department responsible for overseeing Catholic religious orders and congregations around the globe.

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Sister Brambilla, 59, has a rich background that includes work as a nurse and years of missionary service in Mozambique. Her experiences in the late 1990s, when she listened to the personal stories of people she met during her missionary work, had a profound impact on her. Later, she earned a doctorate in psychology and went on to lead the Consolata Missionary Sisters from 2011 to 2023.

Pope Francis has been working to reform the governance of the Catholic Church since he became its leader in 2013. His decision to appoint Sister Brambilla reflects his commitment to giving women more opportunities in leadership roles within the Church. However, her appointment has raised some concerns due to an additional decision made by the Pope.

Alongside Sister Brambilla, Pope Francis named Cardinal Angel Fernandez as "pro-prefect." This title is often given to someone who may later take over the role of prefect. The Vatican has not provided details about how the responsibilities between the two will be divided, leaving some observers worried that Sister Brambilla’s authority could be limited.

Vatican journalist Franca Giansoldati described Sister Brambilla as a balanced and experienced leader, but she also noted concerns about the dual appointment. Some believe it might undermine Sister Brambilla’s ability to make independent decisions, casting doubt on whether this historic move truly represents a shift in empowering women within the Church.

The Catholic Church has long faced calls to give women a more active role in its leadership. Although nuns and sisters far outnumber priests—there are over 559,000 sisters compared to about 128,000 priests in religious orders—women are not allowed to receive Holy Orders, which limits their ability to take on roles traditionally reserved for ordained men.

Discussions about allowing women to become deacons, who can officiate at baptisms, weddings, and funerals but not conduct mass, have been ongoing. However, there has been little progress in these debates. A Vatican assembly in October 2024 acknowledged the challenges women face in leadership and urged the Church to continue addressing these issues.

Sister Brambilla’s appointment is seen as a step forward, but progress remains slow. Data from 2023 shows that women make up 23.4% of the workforce in Vatican City, a slight increase from 19% in 2013. While this represents an improvement, many argue that more must be done to open doors for women in Church leadership.

Born in Monza, Italy, Sister Brambilla’s life reflects a deep commitment to serving others. In an interview, she spoke about how her experiences as a missionary shaped her, especially the unique and sacred stories shared by the people she encountered.

Her appointment is a historic moment for the Church and a sign of gradual change, though challenges remain. It highlights both the potential for progress and the need for continued efforts to ensure women have meaningful roles in shaping the future of the Catholic Church.

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