In a historic move, Pope Francis has appointed Sister Simona Brambilla as the first woman to head a dicastery within the Roman Curia, a landmark decision that underscores his ongoing commitment to elevating women into leadership roles at the Vatican. This appointment represents a significant milestone in the pontiff's broader efforts to foster gender inclusivity within the church's hierarchy.

Sister Simona Brambilla's Journey

Sister Simona Brambilla, 59, is an Italian member of the Consolata Missionary Sisters and previously served as their Superior General from 2011 to May 2023. She has been the secretary of the Vatican's department for religious and consecrated life since October 2023. Her vast experience includes a missionary stint in Mozambique during the late 1990s and academic contributions as a professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University's Institute of Psychology, where she specialized in her field of advanced psychology.

Historic Appointment

On January 6, 2025, Pope Francis appointed Sister Brambilla as prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. She will lead the department alongside Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, who was named pro-prefect. This unique arrangement was necessitated by canon law, which requires ordination to exercise certain governing powers.

Increasing Female Representation

The Vatican's inclusion of women in leadership has grown significantly under Pope Francis, with representation increasing from 19.2% in 2013 to 23.4% by 2023. Sister Brambilla's appointment builds on this trend, joining a roster of influential women in key Vatican roles, including Sister Raffaella Petrini, the first woman to hold the second-ranking post in the Vatican City State government, and Sister Alessandra Smerilli, secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

Last month, Sister Brambilla was also elected to the 16th Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod, one of two women among the 17-member council. She joins Argentinian laywoman María Lía Zervino, reflecting the Vatican's shift toward greater diversity and inclusion.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite these advancements, the Vatican maintains its ban on female priests and deacons. Consequently, Sister Brambilla will share leadership responsibilities with Cardinal Fernández, ensuring sacramental duties reserved for ordained clergy are fulfilled. This dual-leadership model highlights the church's efforts to balance tradition with modern reforms.

A New Era of Leadership

Sister Brambilla's role in overseeing one of the Vatican's most significant departments will involve guiding religious orders such as the Jesuits, Franciscans, and emerging spiritual movements. Assisted by two undersecretaries, Father Aitor Jiménez Echave and Sister Carmen Ros Nortes, she is expected to bring transformative perspectives to her leadership.

This landmark appointment symbolizes Pope Francis' vision for a more inclusive church, where women play an integral role in shaping its future.