Vatican City – In another historic move, Pope Francis has appointed Sr. Simona Brambilla as the new prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life – the first female to lead a Vatican department.
The Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life is responsible for overseeing religious orders and their members, where Sr. Brambilla who has previously served as the secretary together with other seven women members.
Before entering the community, the Italian-born religious sister qualified as a nurse and has a doctorate in psychology.
Following her appointment, it also follows a significant change made by Pope Francis in 2020 when he reformed the Vatican’s constitution to allow women and laity to hold key positions within the Roman Curia.
Also, since Pope Francis assumed the papacy, the representation of women in the Vatican has grown.
Data from 2013 to 2023 reveals that the percentage of women in both the Holy See and Vatican City State has increased from 19.2% to 23.4%.