This is a historic move.
Pope Francis has appointed Sister Simona Brambilla as the new prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, making her the first woman to lead a dicastery in the Vatican. Brambilla, a member of the Consolata Missionaries, brings years of experience as a former superior general of her congregation and most recently as secretary of the dicastery. Her appointment is part of the pope’s broader efforts to include more women in leadership roles within the Church.
Dicasteries are key governing bodies of the Roman Curia, responsible for assisting the pope in the administration of the Catholic Church. Sister Brambilla’s appointment follows that of Sister Alessandra Smerilli, who was named secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in 2021. Brambilla also has a diverse background, including missionary service in Mozambique and a previous career as a professional nurse before joining her religious order.
Under Pope Francis’ leadership, women have increasingly taken on significant roles within the Vatican. In 2018, he appointed three female theologians to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, granting women and laity representation in one of the Church’s most influential bodies for the first time. Additionally, in 2020, he appointed six women to the Council for the Economy, a key institution overseeing Vatican financial matters.
In another milestone, the pope allowed women to become members of the Synod of Bishops in 2023, marking a historic shift in Church policy. Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary general of the Secretariat for the Synod, welcomed the inclusion of women, expressing optimism about the diversity they would bring to discussions. While women can now participate in the synod, its identity as a body of bishops remains unchanged. This series of appointments underscores Pope Francis’ commitment to enhancing women’s roles in Church governance.