Pope Francis appoints a woman to head a department in the Vatican for the first time.

A woman has been appointed as the head of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life

Pope Francis has appointed Sister Simona Brambilla as the head of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, who previously worked in the Roman Curia.

Sister Simona Brambilla made her first vows in 1991 and her perpetual vows in 1999. She had a mission in Mozambique and served as an advisor in her congregation. In 2011, she was elected as the General Superior, and in 2022, she was appointed Secretary of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

This is a significant achievement for women in the Vatican as such positions were previously held only by men. Pope Francis is strengthening the presence of women in the Vatican by appointing them to important roles. This is changing the traditional view of women's roles in the Church.

Pope Francis also called on the nuns to live in a friendly manner and to avoid negative attitudes.