Pope Francis has announced that Sister Raffaella Petrini will become the first woman to head the Vatican City State’s executive branch. This historic appointment is set to take effect in March, following the retirement of Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga.

Sister Raffaella Petrini, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, currently serves as the Secretary-General of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State. Her new role as President of the Governorate marks a significant milestone in the Vatican’s history, reflecting Pope Francis’ commitment to increasing the presence of women in leadership positions within the Church.

The announcement was made during an interview with Italian television presenter Fabio Fazio, where Pope Francis highlighted the effective contributions of women in the Curia. He emphasized that women often manage responsibilities better than men, and their roles in the Vatican have been expanding steadily.

Sister Petrini’s appointment follows the recent elevation of Sister Simona Brambilla as Prefect of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life, further underscoring the Pope’s dedication to gender inclusivity in the Church’s governance.

As Sister Petrini prepares to take on her new responsibilities, her appointment is being celebrated as a progressive step towards greater gender equality within the Vatican.