ROME — Pope Francis appointed Sister Simona Brambilla as the first woman to head a major Vatican office, making her prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, responsible for overseeing all Catholic religious orders. Vatican Media highlighted the appointment as historic, marking a significant step in Francis’ push to give women leadership roles in the Church.

Brambilla, 59, a member of the Consolata Missionaries, previously served as the department’s No. 2 and succeeds Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz. Her appointment was made possible by Francis’ 2022 reforms allowing laypeople, including women, to lead Vatican offices. Although Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime was named her co-leader to fulfill sacramental duties restricted to men, Brambilla remains listed as the primary leader.

Francis’ efforts to elevate women within the Vatican have steadily increased female representation in leadership roles, growing from 19.3% in 2013 to 23.4% today. Notable examples include Sister Raffaella Petrini, the first female secretary general of Vatican City, and Barbara Jatta, director of the Vatican Museums.

Despite these advancements, Francis has upheld the Church’s ban on female priests and tamped down hopes for women to be ordained as deacons. However, the Pope continues to advocate for broader leadership roles for women, recognizing their vital contributions in education, health care, and passing down the faith.