(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 01.07.2024).- Pope Francis has once again demonstrated his commitment to increasing the role of women in the governance of the Catholic Church with the historic appointment of Sister Simona Brambilla as Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. This marks a groundbreaking moment as she becomes the first woman to head a Vatican dicastery, a position traditionally held by clergy.
Sister Simona Brambilla’s Journey
Born in Italy, Sister Simona Brambilla will celebrate her 60th birthday on March 27. Her extensive career is a testament to her dedication and leadership. Before her current role, she served as Superior General of the Missionary Sisters of Consolata for over a decade and worked as a missionary in Mozambique. A professional nurse by training, Sister Brambilla joined the Missionary Sisters of Consolata and quickly rose through, demonstrating a unique blend of compassion and administrative acumen.
In October 2023, she was appointed Secretary of the Dicastery, laying the groundwork for her promotion to Prefect just a few months later. This appointment builds on the precedent set by Pope Francis in 2021 when Sister Alessandra Smerilli was named Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
A Broader Vision for Women’s Leadership
Pope Francis’s papacy has been a catalyst for change in the Vatican’s approach to gender inclusivity. Since 2013, the representation of women in the Vatican workforce has increased from 19.2% to 23.4%, reflecting a deliberate shift toward broader participation. This transformation was solidified in 2022 with the apostolic constitution “Praedicate Evangelium”, which opened leadership roles, including those of dicastery prefects, to laypeople—women included.
Notable Women Leaders in Vatican Governance
Sister Brambilla’s appointment joins a growing list of women who have taken on influential roles under Pope Francis:
– Barbara Jatta was named Director of the Vatican Museums in 2016, becoming the first woman to hold this prestigious position.
– Sister Raffaella Petrini, appointed in 2022, serves as Secretary General of the Vatican’s Governatorate, a role traditionally reserved for bishops.
– Other key figures include Gabriella Gambino and Lina Ghisoni in the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, and Cristiane Murray, Deputy Director of the Holy See Press Office.
These appointments reflect a deliberate effort to integrate women’s perspectives into Vatican decision-making processes, enhancing the Church’s ability to address contemporary challenges.
Pope Francis’s Vision for the Church
In her new role, Sister Brambilla will oversee the spiritual and organizational life of thousands of religious communities worldwide. Her leadership will undoubtedly inspire other women in the Church, affirming that their contributions are not just welcome but essential to its mission.
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